Postponed wedding date was almost set in stone for Leeds Rhinos' fans

They were due to get married at LeedsTown Hall this June, but the coronavirus lockdown left their plans in tatters.

When the pair were looking for a gift idea to mark their special day, they decided to order a commemorative engraved stone to be placed on the outside of their beloved South Stand at Emerald Headingley Stadium.

The inscription on their stone on the South Stand wall was due to read, “Gary and Suzanne Married 20 06 20 Rhinos Forever."

But with the wedding now postponed Suzanne feared they would be left with a reminder of the pandemic literally set in stone.

Suzanne, 61, of New Farnley, is a long time fan of the club and introduced her boyfriend Gary, 57, to rugby league when he moved to the city from London

She said: “We were due to get married on June 20 at Leeds Town Hall but like so many people, our plans have had to be cancelled.

"I emailed the club to ask if it was too late to change and they came back to me straight away.

"Fortunately, as well as causing the wedding to be cancelled, the pandemic had also meant that the new wall could not be put up yet.

“I come from a Rugby League family, my dad Jack Rogers played professionally with Hull KR, Oldham and Salford."

Her son Andrew, 30, played for Morley RUFC and later played rugby league at Swillington.

Her daughter Lisa, 34, plays rugby league for Wakefield Trinity Ladies and has represented Yorkshire and England.

Suzanne said: "When I first met Gary, he had never been to a game so I had to take him along and he fell in love with the Rhinos straight away."

The couple have rearranged their wedding for June 26 2021.

Suzanne said: "The club has been great and the new stone will go up with the new date when the work gets done, it will certainly be a talking point and a great memory to have.

There are still a limited number of positions available for fans who would like to follow Suzanne and Gary’s idea in phase two of the installation of the Leeds Rhinos' Blue and Amber’ scheme.

It allows fans to buy a personalised, engraved granite stone which will be positioned on the external wall of the South Stand.

Starting from just £60, stones can also be purchased as a gift and they are the perfect present for any Leeds Rhinos supporter as their personalised message will be part of Emerald Headingley for years to come.

For more information go to ourblueandamber.co.uk