Leeds Rhinos Netball confirm 2024 fixtures

Leeds Rhinos Netball have announced they will play at five venues across Yorkshire in 2024, including a return to the first direct Arena in Leeds and the new Canon Medical Arena in Sheffield.

The season starts with two games on the road against Severn Stars in the league opener at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham and then at Hertfordshire Sports Village versus Saracens.

The Rhinos will come up against their former players Nia Jones and Elle McDonald in their first home game against the newly named Cardiff Dragons, at the Canon Medical Arena, which is based at the heart of the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park.  This will be the first time the team have played at the carbon-neutral built arena which features three full-size basketball courts and has a capacity to hold 1,800 seated spectators.

Leeds will then play the second of their four home fixtures in March with a return to West Yorkshire where they will face Strathclyde Sirens at the University of Huddersfield.

Liana Leota’s team complete the month with back to back home games against London Pulse at the Allam Sports Centre in Hull followed by Surrey Storm at the EIS in Sheffield, where Leeds held a sold out fixture last season.

In April, Leeds will play their only home game of the month at the first direct Arena against reigning champions Loughborough Lightning.

May will see the Rhinos host back-to-back games in South Yorkshire.  First up will be Vicki Oyesola’s return with Mavericks at the EIS, followed by Team Bath for the second game at the Canon Medical Arena.

June will begin with Leeds back at the University of Huddersfield against Severn Stars and they will conclude their home campaign against northern rivals Manchester Thunder at the Allam, Sports Centre.

Speaking about the fixtures, Franchise Director Dan Busfield, said: “2024 will be our fourth season competing in the Netball Super League and during that short time we have built a loyal fanbase across the entire region of Yorkshire.

“Last year, we sold out the majority of our games and our ambition is to do that again, whilst also having the opportunity to welcome more fans at bigger venues.  Having secured fixtures at the Canon Medical Centre in Sheffield, with a capacity of 1,800, allows us to do this.

“We are also delighted that we will be taking a game back to the first direct Arena.  Anyone who has attended our games there over the last two years knows what great occasions these have been and we are hoping to make it a record crowd this season when we face the champions Loughborough Lightning.

“Unfortunately, we are unable to host any of our home games at Leeds Beckett this year, given the limited capacity and the venue requirements from Netball Super League.  Although it is disappointing not to be able to have more games in the city it is our long-term vision to have a suitable venue in Leeds, which fits the necessary standards and fulfils our ambitions.

“We are excited for the season ahead and believe we have assembled a competitive squad which our supporters will enjoy watching, with the likes of Geva Mentor and Joyce Mvula set to represent the Rhinos for the first time.“

Tickets will go on sale on Thursday 5^th October from www.therhinos.co.uk or by calling 0371 423 1315.  Tickets for the home game against Loughborough Lightning at the first direct Arena will go on sale in the coming weeks.

* Please note all fixtures are subject  to change