Smith to quit Rhinos

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The 22-year-old centre or full-back, who was man of the match in the Rhinos' Grand Final triumph last October, has told the champions he will not be renewing his contract when it expires in November, when he is expected to switch codes.

"I have really enjoyed my time at the Rhinos and still do," he said. "I feel privileged to play for my home-town club."

He added: "However, by the end of the this season, I will have completed seven seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a new challenge."

Smith, who has been linked with a move to Wasps, has scored 42 tries in 88 appearances since making his debut for Leeds in 2005 and played twice for England in last year's World Cup.

Leeds coach Brian McClennan said: "It is Lee's choice, of course, and I know he will give his best for the rest of the season. His leaving will create an opportunity for someone else next year and we will be looking at that situation.

"But everyone's focus is now on our next game this weekend and the remainder of the season."

Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "It is always disappointing when a player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has come through our ranks and gone on to win international honours.

"We have a strong nucleus of players in our squad, who are committed not only to the club to be one another but we live in the age of freedom of contract and it is inevitable that some will choose to play elsewhere at some point."