Leeds Rhinos have completed the signing of teenage forward Toby Warren. The 19-year-old has joined the club on a four-year deal from York City Knights.
A Yorkshire Academy representative, Warren only started playing the game at 14 after playing football in the early years of his life. Warren has been involved at Headingley for some time, featuring for the academy and reserves while continuing his development with York.
He is set to be one of several young additions to Rohan Smith's squad. The Leeds boss has made no secret of his desire to recruit from the Championship, with Batley's Luke Hooley and Doncaster's Leon Ruan set to be two of several further additions.
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“I am really excited about the future and the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in world rugby," he said. "I have really enjoyed the time I have spent on loan here over the last two years and it was always a club I wanted to be part of in the future. The lads are all great here and the coaches have really helped me. Chev Walker and Mark Butterill have really helped me as my coaches and I am excited to work with Rohan Smith now so I can kick on.
“I will always be grateful to the Knights for the help they have given me. They took me down when I was young kid who didn’t know too much about the game and allowed me to have the opportunity to come to the Rhinos and progress my game. The Championship is a great competition, I have been fortunate to play a few games in the Championship and it is a great way for young players to get into the professional game against first team me. I am thankful for the opportunity James Ford and York gave me."
Smith added: “We are delighted to have secured Toby on a long term deal. I would like to thank York for their support of Toby. He is a player with real potential and I am looking forward to seeing how he develops over the next few years. He is aware that he has a lot of work still to do but he has a great attitude and willingness to learn.”
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