MEET OUR 2026 RUGBY CAPTAINS!
In 2023, we launched the LLS Rugby Union Programme that perfectly bridges the gap between academic achievement and elite rugby development. Specially designed for young men and women aged 16–19, this unique pathway welcomes student-athletes of all ability levels—offering them an environment to Learn, Train, and Compete.
Our female captain for the 2026 season is Emily Jones. Emily has played rugby for 5 years and has spent this time playing with Brodleians Women. Old Brodleians are based in west Yorkshire and have been running since 1930 with an addition of a junior section in 1970. Emily took on the captaincy of the under 16 female team last season where she represented flank or the number 8 and stated she was “often covered in loads of tape.”
On the pitch, Emily describes herself as competitive and loving to a full pitcher every now and again which can be seen throughout her performances. Emily says she is looking forward to seeing how the LLS girls work as a team and she hopes that new faces really come out of their shell and see how they perform on the pitch.
Emily is determined to get some good results this year for the team! This became apparent when the LLS rugby girls tied in their first match of the season against Thomas Rotherham college 20-20, captained by Emily.
Our male captain is Joe Edmondson who has played rugby for over 10 years. Over the years, Joe has played for Bradford & Bingley rugby club, Queensbury ARLFC and Halifax panthers.
Last season Joe was part of the team who travelled down to London to take part in the Rosslyn park tournament in March 2026. The boys played 3 games against teams from England, Wales and further afield and out of their 3 matches managed to win one which was a big achievement for them as only being formed as a team 5 months prior. Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens is the biggest rugby tournament in the world based in South London featuring 9,500 to 15,000 participants representing over 800 schools.
It was at this time, Joe was told he would be our 2026-2027 captain which he described as a “huge honour” and he is very excited to lead out the team onto the pitch. He really hopes to bring “leadership and motivation” to the team on and off the pitch and is determined to do anything he can to make sure the team fights until the very end.
In September 2026, both teams travelled down to Liverpool for a residential where they had lots of amazing opportunities to come together, bond as a team and empower their love of sports and rugby. Within this time, both teams got the chance to go to The Underground Training Station in Holylake featuring fitness testing and nutritional workshops.
They also went for a tour around Liverpool Hope University, one of our partner universities. They got a tour of the sports facilities, the fitness labs and learnt about the pathways in sport that the university can offer our students after LLS. We hold a strong partnership with Hope University, working with them for over 10 years. Jordan Wright and Joe Mulhearn (LLS Managing Directors) attended the university and have held close ties over the years allowing our students first hand access to university pathways.
We wish both our male and female rugby teams all the best this season!
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