Leeds Rhinos record 20,000 Replica Shirt Sales

Leeds Rhinos and their technical apparel partner Oxen have announced a record-breaking year despite the impact of the global pandemic with over 20,000 replica Leeds Rhinos shirts sold in 2021.

A year ago this week, the Rhinos announced their new ten year partnership with OXEN, part of the UK-based Elite Pro Sports Group. As well as increased online sales during the pandemic, Elite Pro Sports have invested heavily in a new city centre store for the Rhinos and improved the matchday retail store at Emerald Headingley.

The team behind OXEN have put their experience of working in the sports industry for over 30 years to produce new and exciting ranges for Rhinos fans throughout the year.

Shirt sales alone have seen a 66% increase from the previous year but OXEN have also been tremendous partners of the Rhinos to help good causes too. Earlier this year, OXEN donated close to £50,000 to the MND Association from the sales of a special limited edition replica shirt to celebrate Rhinos legend Rob Burrow MBE that the Rhinos wore in their epic recent win at the Dacia Magic Weekend at St James’ Park in Newcastle whilst the Rhinos will wear a limited edition shirt this Friday for their clash with Hull KR to mark World Rhino Day on 22nd September and support UK-based charity Helping Rhinos.

Leeds Rhinos Commercial Director Rob Oates said, “We are delighted with our first year working with OXEN, who have delivered everything we hoped for. It has been a challenging year for everyone and I think it speaks volumes for the impact that OXEN have had that they have managed to produce these fantastic results and gain support from our fans. We are already working with OXEN on the plans for next year and beyond and look forward to more exciting times ahead.”

Lee Jenkinson, CEO of Elite Pro Sports, added, “On behalf of the whole OXEN team I would like to thank the Rhinos fans for their incredible support in our first year. We were really excited to launch our new store before the pandemic and especially satisfying to see fans back in the Merrion Centre store after lockdown. We have been able to expand the range with our fantastic partnership with England Rugby League which has gone down well with Rhinos and Rugby League fans alike. With only a matter of weeks until the 2022 Home Shirt launches, we are looking forward to the reaction of the Rhinos fans as we look to build on the back of this year’s success.”