Leeds Rhinos will not play on Boxing Day this year, it has been revealed. The Festive Challenge fixture against Wakefield Trinity, which has been played on December 26th for years, has been pushed back in a notable change to Leeds' long-term festive plans.
This year, Headingley will host the game on Tuesday, December 27th, a bank holiday, with a 12:30 kick-off. It will be Leeds' first game back as they begin preparations for the 2023 season.
One of the reasons for the move is to avoid a clash with Leeds United, who take on Manchester City at Elland Road on Boxing Day. It will be a rare change for the Rhinos, who have played on the festive day practically every year since the beginning of the Super League era.
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The Rhinos confirmed the news at Headingley in the build-up to kick-off of their game against New Zealand. Further plans for the pre-season are set to be confirmed in the coming weeks.
The Rhinos squad will now have around a month off before returning to pre-season training in November though several players will return later due to their involvement in the World Cup.
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