Leeds Loves Rugby Festival 2010

Danny Buderus will be signing copies of his book on 20 February

Leeds Rhinos are the focus of England's
hopes once again in the World Club Challenge.

The annual pan-continental fixture has been a regular part of the rugby league calendar since 1987.

Although there have been years when the fixture wasn't scheduled, it has been a permanent annual event since 2000.

So, to stoke up the rugby fever in the lead up to the match, the Leeds Loves Rugby Festival has been organised, with eight days of fun events.

It's not just about Rugby League though, as the other half of Leeds Rugby - Leeds Carnegie RU club - will be part of the festival.

Both clubs will be playing crucial fixtures on Sunday 28 February 2010 - the main focus of the festival - at the city's two main sporting venues.

The Rhinos will be focussing their energies towards their third consecutive appearance in the World Club Challenge at Elland Road against Aussie NRL champions, Melbourne Storm, with the winners laying claim to the title of the world's best rugby league outfit.

World Club Challenge Previously known as the World Club Championship, the first ever game was actually held in 1976 between St Helens and Eastern Suburbs In the 17 fixtures so far English sides rule the roost with 11 wins to 6 Leeds Rhinos have won the trophy twice before - 2005 & 2008

Earlier in the day, Leeds Carnegie will need all their resolve in a crucial league game against Wasps - a game they need to win if they are to stand a chance of avoiding their third relegation from the top tier in five seasons - the ultimate yo-yo club!

The festival will get all ages and interests involved, with taster sessions on how to play rugby, rugby associated games, book signings, and rugby-themed special offers and promotions from organisations in the city.

Leeds Loves Rugby Festival 2010 runs from Saturday 20 February until Sunday 28 February 2010. All event details are available on the Leeds Loves Rugby website.