Leeds Rhinos merchandise and clothing store set to open in Merrion Centre

It comes after Leeds Rhinos' recent Coral Challenge Cup win at Wembley and it is hoped the shop can open when the current four week national lockdown is lifted.

The new shop will cover more than 2,500 sq ft of retail space, have a prime position in the main mall, be open every day and has created six new jobs.

Elite Pro Sports, who specialise in franchising professional sporting clubs, will manage the shop. Leeds Rhinos is the second premier sports club to open a shop at the Merrion Centre, owned by property developer and car parking operator Town Centre Securities PLC (TCS), with Leeds United Football Club choosing it for their first official club store in 2016.

Charles Newman, Associate Director for TCS said: "We are delighted to add another premier club to our tenant line up which is a fantastic addition for Leeds Rhinos rugby fans wanting easy access to the latest, newly unveiled kit. Elite Pro Sports has an incredibly strong track record as a sports partner and we are confident this new addition will experience the same success as our existing Leeds United club store at the Merrion Centre.”

Lee Jenkinson, CEO, Elite Pro Sports added: "The Merrion Centre is a truly vibrant area of the city centre and we are excited to bring Leeds Rhinos merchandise here as the footfall is very much our target audience. It’s a long time since the Leeds Rhinos has had a store in the city, so we feel fans will be eager to buy the new look kit from their favourite local team.

"The new kit has already been warmly received by fans and players alike and proudly had its outing during the Coral Challenge Cup Final."

In due course it is also hoped that the shop will be able to sell tickets.

The Merrion Centre was originally designed in 1964. More than £70m has been invested in recent years with more to follow. There are more than 100 shops, cafés and restaurants as well as a bowling alley, gym, nightclubs and 134 ibis styles bedroom hotel.