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Leeds Rhinos are a professional Rugby League club based in Headingley in the North of Leeds , England . They are owned by the same company that also run Leeds Tykes Rugby Union team. Leeds introduced the 'Rhinos' nickname and logo in 1997. They are still also known by their original nickname 'Loiners'. A Loiner is a word for someone who comes from the city of Leeds. HISTORY They were formed in 1895 as Leeds St Johns but dropped the 'St John' to become simply Leeds shortly after moving to Headingley. During the 60s and 70s the Loiners (as they were then nicknamed) established themselves as a dominant force recording 3 Challenge cups and 3 title wins during this period. However, this success was not to last forever and a barren spell loomed. Leeds eventually hauled themselves back to the top of the game with a Challenge cup final appearance in 94 against Wigan . They were beaten easily, the game was memorable for a length of the field try by Martin Offiah , considered by many to be one the greatest Tries ever scored. However, this was not a one off appearance and Leeds did return again a year later where they faced rivals Wigan for the second consecutive year, they were beaten easily again, the game memorable because of a try from Jason Robinson . 1996 marked the beginning of summer rugby and major transition for the renamed Leeds Rhinos. Leeds flirted with relegation but eventually managed to haul themselves out. The turnaround was quick and the Rhinos once again found their way to the top, facing Wigan in the innaugral Grand final in 1998. The Rhinos were edged out 10-4 in a tense and very evenly matched game. Leeds were not to be denied, and in the next season recorded their first Challenge cup victory for over 20 years with a convincing win over London . In the next season, after a nightmare opening, Leeds put themselves in a position to defend this trophy when they met local rivals Bradford at Murrayfield . It was not to be and after a poor start from the Rhinos the Bulls edged them out by 6 points. Once again a period of transition loomed for Leeds, with many youngsters emerging and taking the place of experienced first team members. Under coach Darryl Powell the Rhinos gradually rebuilt and after a 3 year absence once again made the Challenge cup final in 2003 to face Bradford. Leeds were once again edged out in a very tense game 22-20, the game memorable for Leeds captain Kevin Sinfield who spurned the opportunity of 2 points to level up the game with just minutes left. In 2004 the Rhinos had run out of excuses, they were on a mission and stormed through the season. Eventually picking up their first title in 32 years with a win over Bradford Bulls 16-8 in the Grand Final at Old Trafford . They then followed this by winning the World Club Challenge beating Australian side Canterbury Bulldogs 39-32 at Elland Road . This success was to be short lived, as in 2005 the Rhinos lost their third consecutive Challenge cup final again being narrowly edged out by Hull 24-25. The Rhinos then lost the Grand Final the same season, once again thwarted by arch rivals Bradford Bulls 15-6. It was the 7th final the rhinos had lost in 10 years, they had once again been found wanting when it mattered most. HONOURS of Leeds Rhinos]]
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