Leeds Rhinos learn who they will play and where in Superleague opener

AFter no Yorkshire involvement in the highest echelons of English netball since the Yorkshire Jets’ demise half a decade ago, suddenly the county is at the sport’s epicentre.
Leeds Rhinos' Jade Clarke in action for England against New Zealand during last year's Netball World Cup. Picture: Nigel French/PA Wire.Leeds Rhinos' Jade Clarke in action for England against New Zealand during last year's Netball World Cup. Picture: Nigel French/PA Wire.
Leeds Rhinos' Jade Clarke in action for England against New Zealand during last year's Netball World Cup. Picture: Nigel French/PA Wire.

Leeds Rhinos will tip-off their maiden season in the Vitality Superleague against Celtic Dragons in neighbouring Wakefield at 5.15pm on Friday February 12. They then play Saracen Mavericks on Monday February 15 (7.15pm).

Indeed, every game in the 12-team league over the first nine weeks of the season will be held at Studio 001 in Wakefield, Europe’s first-ever purpose-built arena rehearsal facility, the centre-piece of which is a 17,664 sq ft arena.

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The action will then move to the Copper Box in London for the remaining fixtures.

England Netball CEO, Fran Connolly. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.England Netball CEO, Fran Connolly. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.
England Netball CEO, Fran Connolly. Picture: Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images.

It is all due to the coronavirus pandemic, of course, with games to be played behind closed doors. Every game will also be televised on Sky Sports after England Netball announced a significant new deal with the broadcaster.

Fran Connolly, CEO of England Netball, said: “It is such a pleasure to be able to announce this new deal with Sky Sports. Over recent years they have been able to capture huge moments in our sport and bring fans closer than ever to netball.

“We were delighted to bring elite netball back during our recent Vitality Netball Legends Series and we cannot wait to continue that momentum with something to look forward to.”

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