Leeds Tykes can confirm the following new signings ahead of our 2025-26 National League 1 campaign. Let’s meet them:
Will Smith
Leeds Tykes are delighted to announce the return of back rower Will Smith.
Will is a proven leader, having captained the Tykes when he was here before and has National 1 experience
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Really pleased that Will’s come back to join us after 2 seasons away. He has stayed fit. He knows the lads. He is a good addition to the squad. He is going to cause us some real headaches when we pick the back row for the team – but a good headache.”
About his return, Will said: “It’s nice to be a new player and a new face again. I am enjoying being back. I missed the boys, missed being part of the team and part of the club. I’m really looking forward to it. Back in National 1 too, that’s exciting.”
Seth Eley
Leeds Tykes are delighted to secure the signature of Seth Eley as part of our 2025-26 squad.
The second-rower joins from Leeds University and brings experience from his time playing in Australia
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Seth joins from the university leagues. He played for me at Leeds for 12 months. I am really impressed with his commitment and attitude. To me, his performances have been standout. Hopefully, he is going to kick on with us and enjoy his time with the Tykes.”
On signing for Leeds Tykes, Seth said: “I’m really excited. I know Pete from university, so he called me up and I’m really excited to play at the higher level and give the season a good crack.”
Max Thatcher
Leeds Tykes is thrilled to announce that Max Thatcher returns – this time as a full-time member of our 2025-26 squad.
The hooker has played for the Tykes for the last two seasons and has now committed to the club after leaving Leeds University.
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Max played for us as and when needed for the last couple of seasons. Now he’s joining the squad on a permanent basis, we’re looking forward to seeing how he progresses throughout the coming season. He can play as hooker and he also in the back row if needed; Max is a good addition to the squad.”
On signing for Leeds Tykes, Max said: “I’m looking forward to getting stuck in. It should be a nice year experiencing everything with a good group of lads.”
Harry Preston
Leeds Tykes welcomes Harry Preston to our 2025-26 squad.
The scrum half joins from Darlington Mowden Park
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Harry played the last twelve games at Darlington Mowden Park and he did okay in a team that was struggling. He’s shown up really well in pre-season; he has the look of Will Hardwick about him in the way in how he plays and manages the team around the field. We are looking forward to working with him.”
On signing for Leeds Tykes, Harry said: “I’m buzzing to be honest: to stay at National 1 level because DMP went down last season and my family are from the Harrogate area, so they are pretty happy too.”
Will Yates
Leeds Tykes is pleased to announce Will Yates as part of our 2025-26 squad.
The winger joins from Hull Ionians.
Director of Rugby Pete Seabourne said: “Will Yates came on our radar the last time we played Ionians away. I was really impressed by how Will played defensively.
“He’s a really strong defender, attacking-wise he knows where the try line is. He’s played with one or two of the lads at Harrogate. He’s a really good addition to the backs and all 3 of them* should be pushing for starting places.”
On signing for the Tykes, Will said: “I am excited for the opportunity of coming to Leeds Tykes and the step up. I’m excited for the challenge of playing in National 1, having played in National 2 for the last couple of years.”
*Eddie Crossland, Sam Taylor and Will.
Will is available to sponsor.
Eddie Crossland and Sam Taylor
Leeds Tykes can confirm the signings of Eddie Crossland and Sam Taylor for our 2025-26 campaign.
Joining from Otley RUFC, Eddie is a fly-half and Sam plays on the right wing.
In this video, filmed after the first training session of pre-season, they share their thoughts on joining Leeds Tykes, their goals and what fans can expect from them on the pitch.
Talking about the addition of the pair, Leeds Tykes’ Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said: “Happy to get Eddie Crossland involved with the club. We’ve been keeping an eye on him for a while. I think he’s the standout fly-half in National 2 and probably in Yorkshire, which is why he’s been the Yorkshire 10 for a couple of years. He looks after the team and is a good organiser. He has a fantastic kicking game so I’m hoping he’ll do the same for us.”
“We’ve been keeping an eye on him for the past couple of years. We are really impressed with him. He is an out-and-out finisher who knows where the try-line is. He is outstanding working with Eddie, and we’re excited to see how that partnership continues to develop. Sam brings a lot of pace, so the aim is to get him some good ball and let him do what he does best.”
Player Sponsorship – Eddie and Sam are available to sponsor. To find our more about Player Sponsorship, please get in touch with our Commercial Lead, Warwick Andrews.
James Harrison
We are delighted to confirm that James Harrison has joined Leeds Tykes ahead of the 2025-26 season.
Harrison is no stranger to the Tykes, having made nine appearances for us during a loan spell at the end of the 2023-24 campaign. The second row forward arrives from Doncaster Knights, having spent the majority of last season on loan at Bury St Edmunds.
Talking about the addition of Harrison, Leeds Tykes’ Director of Rugby, Pete Seabourne said:
“Really happy that we can announce the signing of James Harrison on a permanent contract at Leeds Tykes. James impressed us while on loan at the club 18 months ago and we worked hard to bring him back last year, but unfortunately his parent club sent him on loan for the season to Bury St. Edmonds. I have kept a close eye on him, and he has improved week on week. His lineout work is excellent, along with being a strong defender. He will complement the players we already have in the squad, and I know the coaching group are excited to have him join us.”
A product of Billingham FC, Harrison progressed through the youth system and represented Yorkshire at U18 and U20 level, joining the Doncaster Knights academy in 2022. Capable of playing in the second row or across the back row, Harrison adds depth and versatility to the forward pack.
James explained: “I am so excited to be a full member of the squad, rather than being here on loan. It’s going to be an important season and I am hoping to play a key part in it.”
Welcome back to the Tykes, James!
Player Sponsorship – as a new player to the squad, Harrison’s Player Sponsorship is available; for enquiries, please get in touch with our Commercial Lead, Warwick Andrews.
Come back soon for more new player news!