When Peter Seabourne took on the role of Leeds Tykes director of rugby last summer, the club had been through a tumultuous period, enduring two relegations in three years.
This drastic decline saw them move from the Championship to National 2 North, depart from Headingley, transition to amateur status and undergo a name change.
However, amid this challenging period in the club's rich history, there's now a sense of optimism.
Tykes have won all 12 of their games so far this season, picking up 59 points out of 60. Seabourne was able to retain the core of his squad from National 1 and brought in coaches who shared his vision for rebuilding the side.
He said: “We kept about 90 per cent of the squad and I brought in Peter Lucock as assistant player coach from Newcastle, and Mike Aspinall has come in as attack coach. Both have done a terrific job of moulding the players into a very good, fine-tuned team, but we're nowhere near the end product yet.
“We have the same rugby philosophy, we want our team to play, and not have any shackles on, let's entertain people because we're in an entertainment business.”
Seabourne believes opposition teams are struggling to live with the Tykes' fitness levels.
He said: “We're a very fit side and we push ourselves in training. If we're getting out of our comfort zone, then we're taking oppositions out of their comfort zone and they're struggling to live with us.”
Leeds beat local rivals Rotherham in a crucial topof-the-table clash in their last match, and Seabourne said: “The Rotherham game was one of the best games I've seen for four or five years.
“Rotherham have a big, experienced pack, but we had the edge in the backs, which proved to be the outcome. It was a proper Yorkshire derby, just short of 1,000 people came to watch at West Park and it's good to see that Yorkshire rugby is thriving.”
Seabourne has instilled a sense of belonging to his players and is reaping the rewards.
He said: “Most of our squad live within a fivemile radius of the club and we want the players to feel connected to the club. They get on very well off the field and work hard for each other on it.”
Seabourne is using his role as head of men's rugby at Leeds University to create pathways for players to transition to senior rugby. He added: “I want players to enjoy the university rugby and have somewhere to play men's rugby after. I help players that want to stay in the area after they've graduated, with accommodation and finding work.”
Seabourne wants Tykes to become Yorkshire's premier rugby union side in the long term: “The ultimate goal for everyone in Leeds is a thriving Leeds United, Leeds Rhinos, Leeds Tykes and Leeds Rhinos netball team. We want to be a winning team in Leeds that everyone's excited to come and watch.”
