Exhibition reveals 'remarkable insight' into ex-Leeds Rhinos captain Stevie Ward's career-ending injury

Ward’s story will feature in the ‘On the Bench’ exhibit which opens this coming Saturday (July 29) at Leeds’ Thackray Museum of Medicine.

Local lad Ward rose through the ranks at Rhinos to become captain in 2020, but two head injuries suffered early that season led to his retirement the following year, aged 27.

‘On the bench’ offers visitors an opportunity to learn the science behind sports from the perspective of professional athletes, medical professionals and fans.

Alongside Ward, the main exhibition also focuses on basketball coach Norman Francis and the Leeds Roller Dolls Rollerderby squad, as well as Bradford Bulls’ 2001 Super League season documented by photographer Ian Beesley.

Ward said: “It appears the injuries I had in my career are resulting in something I could never have imagined.

“I am so proud to be part of creating ‘On the Bench’ alongside the Thackray Museum of Medicine.

“With Thackray at the heart of such a huge sporting city like Leeds, I think it’s going to be the first remarkable insight and look behind the curtain into how athletes recover both mentally and physically in the pursuit of glory.”

Francis, an ex-basketball player, took up coaching after losing a leg and is now at the helm of the Leeds-based Mandela Warriors club.

He said: “When I learned about the exhibition, I realised it is about helping people and that's what I do, that's why I coach. I try to help the kids who want to play basketball understand it, enjoy it, and succeed in it.”

He added: “The examples of other people who move on after their injuries inspired me during my recovery process.

“We all have some kind of barriers in our lives, but if you focus and believe, have hope and trust, then you can get over that, move on with your life and enjoy it. This is the message I aim to translate.”