Homegrown Talent Returns As Leo Tennison Signs.
Skirlaugh RL are delighted to announce the signing of former junior player Leo Tennison, as the powerful front-rower returns to the club where his rugby league journey first began.
A product of the Skirlaugh youth system, Tennison progressed through the amateur ranks before earning his opportunity in the professional game with Hull Kingston Rovers. The towering prop developed through the Robins’ academy pathway and went on to make his Betfred Super League debut against Wigan Warriors in 2023.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Tennison built a reputation as a strong-running middle with impressive physicality and an eye for second-phase play during his time in the professional ranks. During his development, he gained valuable experience through spells with York, Gateshead/Newcastle Thunder, Cornwall RLFC, Featherstone Rovers and Goole Vikings, testing himself against seasoned opposition across the rugby league pyramid.
The 22-year-old was highly regarded throughout his time at Hull KR, earning Yorkshire Academy honours and securing a professional contract extension after impressing within the club’s reserve and first-team environment.
Now, Leo returns home to Skirlaugh with valuable experience under his belt and a hunger to help drive the club forward both on and off the field.
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Leo back to Skirlaugh RLFC.
Leo knows exactly what this club is about. He came through our junior system, developed his game here, and went on to earn opportunities in the professional ranks with Hull KR and York. Everyone connected with Skirlaugh has followed his progress with a huge amount of pride, so it’s fantastic to see him return home.
The experience Leo brings from a professional environment will be a massive asset to the squad. Just as importantly, he’s a player with a great attitude, strong work ethic, and a real connection to the club and community.
He understands the standards we want to set both on and off the field, and I know he’ll have a positive influence within the group. I genuinely believe Leo still has his best years ahead of him, and we’re excited to see him back in a Skirlaugh shirt.
His return is another strong statement about the direction we’re heading as a club, and we’re all looking forward to seeing the impact he can make this season.”
— Head Coach Matt Danville
Leo Tennison said:
“It feels like home coming back to Skirlaugh. This was my junior club before I moved on to Hull KR and the professional game, so to come back and represent the club again is something I always said I wanted to do once my time at that level came to an end.
My main goal now is to help some of the younger lads progress and pass on some of the experience I’ve gained during my time in the professional environment. From what I’ve seen already, there’s a really good group here with a great attitude, and I’m looking forward to gelling with the rest of the team and contributing wherever I can.”
Leo will be sponsored for the rest of the season by Neil Sheperdson.
Everyone at Skirlaugh RL would like to welcome Leo back to the club and we look forward to seeing him back in the black and gold this season.