Misplaced Pages

Sheffield Eagles: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 09:03, 13 May 2014 editOhconfucius (talk | contribs)Autopatrolled, Extended confirmed users, Pending changes reviewers328,951 edits Script-assisted fixes per WP:TIES, MOS:NUM, MOS:FLAG, MOS:LINK← Previous edit Latest revision as of 23:14, 12 January 2025 edit undo81.96.250.206 (talk)No edit summaryTag: references removed 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|English professional rugby league club}}
{{EngvarB|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2014}} {{More citations needed|date=July 2009}}
{{Refimprove|date=July 2009}} {{Use British English|date=May 2014}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2019}}
{{infobox rugby league club {{infobox rugby league club
| clubname = Sheffield Eagles | clubname = Sheffield Eagles
| image = ] | image = ]
| emblem = ] | fullname = Sheffield Eagles Rugby League Football Club
| fullname = Sheffield Eagles Rugby Football Club | nickname = ''The Eagles''<br>''The Red and Golds''
| web = {{URL|http://www.sheffieldeagles.com/|sheffieldeagles.com}}
| nickname =
| short name = Sheffield | colours = Red, white and gold
| founded = {{start date and age|1984}}
| web =
| colours = ] | ground = ], ]
| founded = 1984 | capacity = 3,900
| exited = 1999 (merged with Huddersfield Giants) | coach = ]
| readmitted = 1999 | captain = ]
| vice captain =
| ground = '''1984–89; 2014–<br>] <br>(4,000)'''
| ground2 = 2010–2013<br>]<br>(32,702) | league = ]
| ground3 = 1991–2009, 2011–2013<br>] <br>(25,000) | season = ]
| manager = | position = 7th
| ceo = | current = 2025 Sheffield Eagles season
| clubchampionships =
| coach = ]
| clubchampionshipyears =
| captain = ]
| challengecups =
| league = ]
| challengecupyears = 1998
| season = ]
| position = 2nd | premierships =
| homejersey = | premiershipyears =
| awayjersey = | minorpremierships =
| minorpremiershipyears =
| current =
| runnerups =
| clubchampionships =
| runnerupyears =
| clubchampionshipyears =
| cup1 = ]
| challengecups = 1
| cup1titles = 2
| challengecupyears = 1998
| premierships = | cup1years = 2012, 2013
| cup2 = ]
| premiershipyears =
| cup2titles = 1
| minorpremierships =
| cup2years = 1998
| minorpremiershipyears =
| runnerups = | cup3 = ]
| runnerupyears = | cup3titles = 1
| cup3years = 2019
| cup1 = ]
| cup1titles = 1 | cup4 =
| cup1years = 1991–92 | cup4titles =
| cup4years =
| cup2 = ]
| cup2titles = 2 | points = 2142
| cup2years = 2012, 2013 | cap = 389
| cup3 = | mostcap = ]
| cup3titles = | mostpoints = ]
| pattern_la1 = _whiteborder
| cup3years =
| pattern_b1 = _red_v_top
| cup4 =
| pattern_ra1 = _whiteborder
| cup4titles =
| pattern_sh1 = _whitebottom
| cup4years =
| pattern_so1 =
| cup5 =
| cup5titles = | leftarm1 = ff0000
| cup5years = | body1 = ffffff
| rightarm1 = ff0000
| points = 2142
| cap = 389 | shorts1 = ff0000
| mostcap = ] | socks1 = ffffff
<!-- away -->
| mostpoints = ]
| pattern_la2 =
| pattern_b2 = _orangecollar
| pattern_ra2 =
| pattern_sh2 =
| pattern_so2 =
| leftarm2 = 333333
| body2 = 333333
| rightarm2 = 333333
| shorts2 = 333333
| socks2 = 333333
}} }}


'''Sheffield Eagles''' are a ] club in ], ], England who currently play in the ]. The '''Sheffield Eagles''' are a professional ] club based in ], ], ]. They play home games at the ] and compete in the ], the second tier of ].<ref name="Operational Rules">{{cite web|url=http://www.rugby-league.com/operational-rules/|title=Operational Rules|publisher=RFL|access-date=10 March 2017|archive-date=8 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008190008/http://www.rugby-league.com/operational-rules/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Sheffield's only major honour was winning the 1998 ], they have won the ] twice.

The clubs traditional home colours are red, white and gold and they share a rivalry with ].


== History == == History ==
{{Original research|section|date=December 2016}}
=== Foundation ===

=== 1982–1984: Foundation of original Eagles ===
In 1982, ] captain and chairman of the Players' Union, ], missed out on a coaching job at ] He decided to form his own club in Sheffield. The original plan to enter the ] in 1983–84 fell apart when ] pulled back from their promise to let the new team play its home games at ].


The club eventually joined the Second Division in 1984, coached by ], they played at the ]. A competition was run in the '']'' newspaper to find a name for the new club and "Sheffield Eagles" was the winner. The first Eagles league game was on 2 September 1984 when they beat ], 29–10. The match took place the day after the club's sponsor went bust. Hetherington was both manager and player in the first season, building the team using experienced players from traditional areas. He also began signing up promising young players, one of whom was ], later to be a critical part of the Eagles' survival as a club and current head coach.
In 1982, ] captain and Chairman of the Players' Union, Gary Hetherington missed out on a coaching job at ]. He decided to form his own club in Sheffield. The original plan to enter the ] in 1983–84 fell apart when ] pulled back from their promise to let the new team play its home games at ].


By November the club was close to folding because of financial problems. Sheffield beat ] to set up a John Player Special Trophy first round tie against ]. This lucrative game generated enough cash to see out the season.
The club eventually joined the Second Division in 1984 and played at the ]. A competition was run in the ] newspaper to find a name for the new club and "Sheffield Eagles" was the winner. The first Eagles league game was on 2 September 1984 when they beat ] 29–10. The match took place the day after the club's sponsor went bust. Hetherington was both manager and player in the first season, building the team using experienced players from traditional areas. He also began signing up promising young players, one of whom was ], later to be a critical part of the Eagles' survival as a club.


===1985–1998: Progress and Challenge Cup win===
By November the club was close to folding because of financial problems. Sheffield beat ] to set up a John Player Special Trophy first round tie against ]. This lucrative game generated enough cash to see out the season.
On the field the club progressed steadily, improving their league position until in 1988/89 they finished third in the league table and made it to the Second Division Premiership final at ]. In the final they outplayed ], beating them by 43–18 and gaining promotion to the top flight of ]. Sheffield's record attendance at Owlerton was set at 3,636 for a third-round Challenge Cup game against ] in 1989.


In the wake of the ], stadium safety became an issue in British sport and Owlerton was declared unfit to stage professional rugby league. Eagles were forced to play their home games at seven different venues including ] itself, ], ], ] and ]. They survived one season in the top flight but were then relegated. This was a temporary decline as they immediately regained their place in the First Division, winning the Second Division title and Premiership. The Eagles slowly established themselves as a top flight club.
=== Progress ===
On the field the club progressed steadily, improving their league position until in 1988/89 they finished third in the league table and made it to the Second Division Premiership final at ]. In the final they outplayed ], beating them by 43–18 and gaining promotion to the top flight of ]. Sheffield's record attendance at Owlerton was set at 3,636 for a third round Challenge Cup game against ] in 1989.


] became home for the club in September 1990, it had been built for the 1991 ] held in Sheffield. In May 1991, Eagles signed their first local recruit, Jason Davidson. In 1992 they reached the Yorkshire Cup final, losing to ].
In the wake of the ], stadium safety became an issue in British sport and Owlerton was declared unfit to stage professional rugby league. Eagles were forced to play their home games at seven different venues including ], ], ], ] and ]. They survived one season in the top flight but were then relegated. This was a temporary decline as they immediately regained their place in the First Division, winning the Second Division title and Premiership. The Eagles slowly established themselves as a top flight club.


Bill Gardner became coach in July 1993 season replacing Gary Hetherington who stood down from his coaching role.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-league-broncos-man-to-coach-eagles-2321276.html|title=Rugby League: Broncos man to coach Eagles|date=6 May 1993|work=Independent.co.uk|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref> In December following a run of five defeats, he was sacked and Hetherington took over as coach again.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby-league-gardner-takes-leave-of-sheffield-1466189.html|title=Rugby League: Gardner takes leave of Sheffield|date=8 December 1993|work=Independent.co.uk|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref>
] became home for the club in September 1990, it had been built for the 1991 ] held in Sheffield. In May 1991, Eagles sign their first local recruit, Jason Davidson. In 1992 they reached the Yorkshire Cup final, losing to ].


Sheffield was included on the schedule for a game against the ] during their ] and were defeated, 80–2, in the first game following the first test match at ]. This was the highest score by a Kangaroo touring team in England since they had defeated ], 92–7, on the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/matches/kangaroos-tour-1921/game-16/bramley-vs-australia.html|title=Kangaroos Tour 1921 Series – Game 16 – Rugby League Project|first1=Shawn|last1=Dollin|first2=Andrew|last2=Ferguson|work=RugbyLeagueProject.org|access-date=28 December 2016}}</ref> The Kangaroos ran in 14 tries to nil at Don Valley Stadium. However, because of the tie the club benefited from a significant financial gain.
] became coach in July 1993 season replacing Gary Hetherington who stood down from his coaching role. In December following a run of five defeats, he was sacked and Gary Hetherington took over as coach again.


In March 1995, Sheffield pulled out of a proposed merger with ] following a "breach of confidentiality"; Sheffield were then set to take-over 'The Dons' in a deal with administrators, which fell through after the ] declared Doncaster players to be free agents.
Sheffield was included on the schedule for a game against the ] during their ] and were hammered 80–2 in the first game following the first test match at ].


When a ]-funded ] competition was first proposed, part of the deal was that some traditional clubs would merge. Sheffield were again down to merge with ] to form a ''South Yorkshire'' club that would compete in Super League. This, along with other proposed mergers, were strongly opposed by supporters and never materialised. As ''Sheffield Eagles'' the club became a founder member of Super League in 1996 and took part in the first game of the ] era against ].
In March 1995, Sheffield pulled out of a proposed merger with Doncaster following a "breach of confidentialty", Sheffield were then set to take-over Doncaster in a deal with administrators, which fell through after the RFL declared Doncaster players to be free agents.


In November 1996, chief executive Gary Hetherington sold his controlling interest in Sheffield Eagles to take over ]. ] became head coach, Paul Thompson, Chairman of Sheffield-based Sanderson Group Plc, became the majority shareholder, and Eagles plc became the first rugby league club to be floated on the Stock Exchange.
When a ]-funded Super League competition was first proposed, part of the deal was that some traditional clubs would merge. Sheffield were again down to merge with ] to form a ''South Yorkshire'' club that would compete in Super League. This, along with other proposed mergers, were strongly opposed by supporters and never materialised. As ''Sheffield Eagles'' the club became a founder member of Super League in 1996 and took part in the first game of the European ] era against ].


] took over the coaching reins at Sheffield Eagles in 1997, taking them to the Premiership Semi-final in that year. The club's record attendance was set in August 1997 when 10,603 spectators saw them play ].
In November 1996, chief executive Gary Hetherington sold his controlling interest in Sheffield Eagles to take over ]. ] became head coach, Paul Thompson, Chairman of Sanderson Electronics, became the majority shareholder and Eagles plc became the first rugby league club to be floated on the Stock Exchange.


On 2 May 1998, having beaten ], Egremont Rangers, ] and ], the Eagles faced ] at ] in the final of the Rugby League ]. Wigan were overwhelming favourites with a side containing some of the best players of the modern era, including ], ] and ]. Sheffield coach ] devised a game plan that was executed perfectly by the team on the day. Star of the show was ] ], who won the ] as man of the match. The Eagles led from start to finish, running out 17–8 winners in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.
] took over the coaching reigns at Sheffield Eagles in 1997, taking them to the Premiership Semi-final in that year. The club's record attendance was set in August 1997 when 10,603 spectators saw Sheffield play ].


===Huddersfield–Sheffield Giants ===
=== Wembley 1998 ===
2 May 1998 is the greatest day in the history of the Sheffield Eagles. Having beaten ], ], ] and ] the Eagles faced ] at ] in the final of the Rugby League ]. Wigan were overwhelming favourites with a side containing some of the best players of the modern era, including ], ] and ]. Sheffield coach ] devised a game plan that was executed perfectly by the team on the day. Star of the show was scrum half ], who won the ] as man of the match. The Eagles led from start to finish, running out 17–8 winners in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.


=== Merger ===
Just as the club seemed to be on the verge of its greatest period, following the win in the cup final, things began to go wrong. The expected increase in attendances did not happen and the team did not perform well, finishing close to the ] zone only one year after the Wembley triumph. Finances plummeted and with little outside help it became apparent that the Eagles were not viable in their current state. Just a year after performing the greatest upset in Challenge Cup history, the Eagles announced that they were to fold at the end of the season should no investors come on board to save the club. Just as the club seemed to be on the verge of its greatest period, following the win in the cup final, things began to go wrong. The expected increase in attendances did not happen and the team did not perform well, finishing close to the ] zone only one year after the Wembley triumph. Finances plummeted and with little outside help it became apparent that the Eagles were not viable in their current state. Just a year after performing the greatest upset in Challenge Cup history, the Eagles announced that they were to fold at the end of the season should no investors come on board to save the club.


In late 1999 the ] wanted to lower the number of clubs in Super League. One of the measures they put in place was the option for two clubs to merge for the sum of £1,000,000. Fearing this was the only way to keep rugby league alive in Sheffield, the club accepted an offer from the RFL to merge with another struggling team, the ], making a new team Huddersfield/Sheffield Giants, who were scheduled to play games in both ] and ] in ]. The Huddersfield / Sheffield side's away strip was in the Sheffield Eagles colours. The merged Huddersfield/Sheffield team did not last the season before reverting to the Huddersfield name. The main reason for this was the lack of acceptance of the new venture by both sets of supporters, but in particular in ], where the two games played at ] attracted pitiful attendances. The merger between Huddersfield and Sheffield is generally regarded as one of the biggest and most embarrassing farces in the history of British rugby league and the team recorded only four wins all season, three of them against ]. Some fans still blame Huddersfield for the demise of the Sheffield Eagles, who were a very popular club at the time, and their rivals often taunt Huddersfield with the 'Shuddersfield' name. In late 1999 the ] wanted to lower the number of clubs in Super League. One of the measures they put in place was the option for two clubs to merge for the sum of £1,000,000. Fearing this was the only way to keep rugby league alive in Sheffield, the club accepted an offer from the RFL to merge with another struggling team, the ], making a new team Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants, who were scheduled to play games in both ] and ] in ]. The Huddersfield-Sheffield side's away strip was in the Sheffield Eagles colours. The merged Huddersfield-Sheffield team did not last the season before reverting to the Huddersfield name. An immediately resurrected Sheffield Eagles would continue in the lower leagues.


===2000–2005: 'New' Sheffield Eagles===
Between the end of the ] season and the start of the next semi-professional season (only 3 months) legendary player ] reformed the Eagles from scratch with the support of the Super League clubs and ] and entered the ] taking ]'s vacated place.


The merger with Huddersfield was not accepted by Sheffield supporters {{citation needed|date=July 2014}}, and so former player ] formed a new Eagles phoenix club, earning a place in the ] for the 2000 season, taking ]'s vacated place.
=== Rebirth ===


From 1999 to the present the Eagles have played in the ], first the Northern Ford Premiership and then the second division of the LHF Healthplan National League. ] assumed the role of player manager, continuing on the field until 2004, when he officially retired from playing. After the 2004 season Mark replaced his father Brian as chief executive, bringing in a new head coach in ] at the end of the following year. As soon as the new club was reformed, it vowed to never overstretch its finances to achieve success. This made life difficult as the Eagles were denied the money received by other clubs in the NFP for TV rights as part of the deal that allowed them to re-enter the professional leagues.
]
From 1999 to the present the Eagles have played in the ], first the Northern Ford Premiership and then the second division of the ]. ] assumed the role of player manager, continuing on the field until 2004, when he officially retired from playing. After the 2004 season Mark replaced his father Brian as chief executive, bringing in a new head coach in ] at the end of the following year. As soon as the new club was reformed, it vowed to never overstretch its finances to achieve success. This made life difficult as the Eagles were denied the money received by other clubs in the NFP for TV rights as part of the deal that allowed them to re-enter the professional leagues.


2003 brought two club records; Sheffield suffered their record defeat on 2 February 2003 0–88 to Hull. However on 3 August 2003, London Skolars were the victims as Sheffield Eagles won 98–4, a record victory. In 2003 the team finished top of National League Two and reached the Grand Final, agonisingly losing 13–11 to the ]. Victory would have sent the Eagles into National League One, but this was not to be and a second play-off against the ] ended in failure for the demoralised squad. 2003 brought two club records; Sheffield suffered their record defeat on 2 February 2003 0–88 to ] However, on 3 August 2003, ] were the victims as Sheffield Eagles won 98–4, a record league victory to this day. In 2003 the team finished top of National League Two and reached the Grand Final, agonisingly losing 13–11 to the ]. Victory would have sent the Eagles into National League One, but this was not to be and a second play-off against the ] ended in failure for the demoralised squad.


===2006–2008: Promotion===
Until 2006 the team struggled to match this effort, with key players retiring or being signed by bigger clubs – young players ] and ] went on to sign for ] clubs. At the start of the 2006 season ] was brought in as coach and the team finished in second place, qualifying for the play-offs for the right to join champions ] in National League One. On 22 September 2006 they beat the ] at the ] to qualify for the Grand Final for a second time. In the Grand Final on 8 October they beat ] 35–10 to be promoted to National League One. To the surprise of many Wilkinson resigned as head coach on 15 October 2006, citing personal reasons. National League One was seen as a springboard to a potential return to Super League, although this would be dependent on the RFL's continuation of the ] or ] system. As Sheffield Eagles' chairman Ian Swire, remarked, after the 2006 Grand Final victory, "We showed on Sunday that we can compete, and that in the near- to not-too-distant future we will get back into Super League". Until 2006 the team struggled to match this effort, with key players retiring or being signed by bigger clubs – young players ] and ] went on to sign for ] clubs. At the start of the 2006 season ] was brought in as coach and the team finished in second place, qualifying for the play-offs for the right to join champions ] in National League One. On 22 September 2006 they beat the ] at the ] to qualify for the Grand Final for a second time. In the Grand Final on 8 October they beat ] 35–10 to be promoted to National League One. To the surprise of many Wilkinson resigned as head coach on 15 October 2006, citing personal reasons. National League One was seen as a springboard to a potential return to Super League, although this would be dependent on the RFL's continuation of the ] or ] system. As Sheffield Eagles' chairman Ian Swire, remarked, after the 2006 Grand Final victory, "We showed on Sunday that we can compete, and that in the near- to not-too-distant future we will get back into Super League".


Mark Aston returned as coach in 2007. The 2007 season started slowly for the promoted team but ended with the Eagles defying the bookmakers, who had them as favourites for relegation, by finishing 6th in the league table and qualifying for the play-offs, where they lost a close game to ]. Mark Aston returned as coach in 2007. The 2007 season started slowly for the promoted team but ended with the Eagles defying the bookmakers, who had them as favourites for relegation, by finishing 6th in the league table and qualifying for the play-offs, where they lost a close game to ].


===2009–2012: Move to Bramall Lane===
In 2008 the Eagles consolidated their position in National League 1, although they missed the play-offs by one place. Both Jack Howieson (Scotland) and Ged Corcoran (Ireland) represented their countries at the ].
In 2009 National League 1 was renamed the Co-operative Championship. The 2009 season started unevenly with incoming International players delayed by visa problems. However, the Eagles rallied to progress to the 5th round of the Challenge Cup and produced consistent performances, gaining at least a losing bonus point from all their League games. Despite a number of long-term injuries, the team finished 3rd only narrowly missing out on 2nd place; their highest finish since the re-launch, and they again qualified for the play-offs. In the play-offs they were expected to easily beat ] in the first match at ]. However, Rovers surprised many by winning, ending Sheffield's season at the first play-off hurdle.


On 16 October 2009, the Eagles announced they would be moving their home games from the start of the 2010 season to ], home of ] in a bid to increase attendances and atmosphere at games which now take place on Sunday afternoons. The Eagles moved to Bramall Lane on 11 April 2010, losing by 40–16 to Featherstone Rovers. The attendance of 2,871 was 3 times the average the Eagles achieved at Don Valley Stadium and the club hope to push on from there to achieve a ] licence. The 2010 season saw the club finish in 6th place, making the play-offs and surprising both ] and ] with away victories before falling to eventual champions ].
In 2009 National League 1 was renamed the Co-operative Championship. The 2009 season started unevenly with incoming International players delayed by visa problems. However, the Eagles rallied to progress to the 5th round of the Challenge Cup and produced consistent performances, gaining at least a losing bonus point from all their League games. Despite a number of long-term injuries, the team finished 3rd only narrowly missing out on 2nd place; their highest finish since the re-launch, and they again qualified for the play-offs. In the play-offs they were expected to easily beat Featherstone Rovers in the first match at Don Valley Stadium. However Rovers surprised many by winning, ending Sheffield's season at the first play-off hurdle.


The 2012 season was the Eagles most successful to date, reaching the semi-finals of the ] for the first time and beating Featherstone Rovers 20–16 in the Grand Final to become Championship Champions. The final was a re-match of the 2011 fixture which was the Eagles 1st ever appearance at the final but were beaten soundly on that occasion 40–4. The Eagles defeated ], ] and ] to reach the Grand Final with ], ], ] and ] all scoring for the Eagles to bring the trophy back to Sheffield.
On 16 October 2009, the Eagles announced they would be moving their home games from the start of the 2010 season to ], home of ] in a bid to increase attendances and atmosphere at games which now take place on Sunday afternoons. The Eagles moved to Bramall Lane on 11 April 2010, losing by 40–16 to Featherstone Rovers. The attendance of 2,871 was 3 times the average the Eagles achieved at Don Valley Stadium and the club hope to push on from there to achieve a Super League licence. The 2010 season saw the club finish in 6th place, making the play-offs and surprising both ] and ] with away victories before falling to eventual champions ].


The Eagles played 3 home games at Bramall Lane in 2012 with the rest taking place at Don Valley including a crowd on 1,895 watching the opening league game against ] at Don Valley, the Eagles' highest crowd there since the ] era.
The 2012 season was the Eagles most successful to date, reaching the semi finals of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time and beating Featherstone Rovers 20–16 in the Grand Final to become Championship Champions. The final was a re-match of the 2011 fixture which was the Eagles 1st ever appearance at the final but were beaten soundly on that occasion 40–4. The Eagles defeated Batley, Halifax and Leigh to reach the Grand Final with Scott Turner, Misi Taulapapa, Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Dane McDonald all scoring for the Eagles to bring the trophy back to Sheffield.


===2013–2017: Post Don Valley===
The Eagles played 3 home games at Bramall Lane in 2012 with the rest taking place at Don Valley including a crowd on 1,895 watching the opening league game against Swinton at Don Valley, the Eagles' highest crowd there since the Super League era.
The 2013 season was equally if not more successful that the previous season, reaching the final of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time, losing to ] at ], but more importantly becoming the first side to win back to back Championship Grand Finals by beating ] 19–12 at ] to retain the Championship title.


The Eagles moved back to ] for the 2014 season as the Don Valley Stadium was scheduled for demolition. The Eagles planned to play at the new ] facility at Bawtry Road but unfortunately this was not possible and Owlerton Stadium stepped in at the last minute. Sheffield Eagles announced that they would leave Owlerton for the 2015 season due to new ] ground regulations and played the season in nearby ] at the ], home of ].
==2013 season==


In 2016 it was announced the Eagles would play at ]'s Sports Park. The first league game played by the professional team there was against ] and they won 26–6.
The 2013 season was equally if not more successful that the previous season, reaching the final of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time, losing to Leigh Centurions at the Shay, but more importantly becoming the first side to win back to back Championship Grand Finals by beating Batley Bulldogs 19–12 at Leigh Sports Village to retain the Championship title.


In 2017, the club agreed a one-year ground share with ] at ]. The club also returned to being a semi-professional outfit after an unsuccessful time as professional.
==Coaching roster==


===2018–present: Permanent return to Sheffield===
* ] 1986–93
The Eagles made their long-awaited return to ] at the ] in 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://olympiclegacypark.co.uk/news/2017/10/sheffield-eagles-return-home|title=Sheffield Eagles return home|date=5 October 2017}}</ref> The new stadium has a 4G pitch and a capacity of 1,889, although this is expected to increase to meet ] (RFL) regulations. The first home game back in ] was against ] on 11 March, they lost 10–44. Ahead of ] players ], ] and ] agreed to sign on for a further two years. They struck a deal with ] side ] for players on ]; this helped bolster the squad throughout the season and was considered to be a huge contribution to keeping them in the division. After a seven-game losing streak to open the season, the Eagles finally won, at home against ] by 38 points to 20. The season, however, ended disappointingly as the Eagles finished eighth in the league with the greatest achievement being staying up.
* ] 1993
* ] 1993–96
* ] 1997
* ] 1997-9
* ]
* ] 2006
* ] 2007–


In 2019, however, things were looking up for the side as they brought in 14 new signings, including ex-Eagles ], ] and ], but lost key players in ] (Forbes), ] (London). They got off to a flying start as they overcame the challenges of ], ] and ] in the first month of the new season. That year saw the Eagles return to ] for the first time in more than 2 decades to claim the inaugural ] by defeating ] 38–16.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49458365|title=Sheffield Eagles beat Widnes Vikings to win inaugural 1895 Cup|date=24 August 2019|publisher=BBC Sport}}</ref> However, their League season was less of a success as they finished in 7th place.
==2014 squad==
''* Announced on 7 February 2014:''


During the off-season, plans to build the Olympic Legacy Park were put into jeopardy as a court case to claim 100% ownership of ] found in favour of HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud over ] -one of the main investors to the OLP project for Sheffield.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/prince-abdullah-wins-sheffield-united-ownership-battle-as-kevin-mccabe-considers-an-appeal-1-9997553|title=Prince Abdullah wins Sheffield United ownership battlel|date=16 September 2019|publisher=Yorkshire Post}}</ref> Because of this, there were fears that Mr McCabe would remove plans for his Scarborough Group LTD to head up construction of a new ground on the site at the OLP. However, these fears were quashed when it was revealed construction would go ahead as planned in early 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sheffieldeagles.com/club/new_stadium|title=Sheffield Eagles 'New Stadium'|date=27 September 2019 |publisher=Sheffield Eagles}}</ref>
{{Rls
|squadname=Sheffield Eagles 2014 Squad
|BC1=red
|FC1=white
|BC2=yellow
|FC2=red
|source=
|date=7 February 2013
|list1a={{Rls player|no=1|name=]|pos=FB|pos2=SO}}
|list1b={{Rls player|no=2|name=]|pos=CE|pos2=WG|pos3=FB}}
|list1c={{Rls player|no=3|name=]|pos=CE}}
|list1d={{Rls player|no=4|name=]|pos=CE}}
|list1e={{Rls player|no=5|name=]|pos=WG|pos2=CE}}
|list1f={{Rls player|no=6|name=]|pos=SO}}
|list1g={{Rls player|no=7|name=]|pos=SH}}
|list1h={{Rls player|no=8|name=]|pos=PR}}
|list1i={{Rls player|no=9|name=]|pos=HK}}
|list1j={{Rls player|no=10|name=]|pos=PR}}
|list1k={{Rls player|no=11|name=]|pos=LF|pos2=SR|captain=1}}
|list1l={{Rls player|no=12|name=]|pos=SR}}
|list1m={{Rls player|no=13|name=]|pos=LF|pos2=PR}}


Sheffield finished the 2021 ] season in 12th place on the table. In the final game of the year, Sheffield were beaten 78-10 by ]. The following season the club finished 7th on the table and missed out on the playoffs. In the 2023 RFL Championship, Sheffield finished fourth on the table and qualified for the finals, however they were eliminated in the first week of the finals by ] losing 42-0. In 2024, Sheffield finished 7th on the table but missed out on the playoffs due to an inferior for and against.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/match/EVP3535123/|title=Featherstone 78 Sheffield 10|website=BBC Sport|access-date=25 October 2021}}</ref>
|list2a={{Rls player|no=14|name=]|pos=HK}}
|list2b={{Rls player|no=15|name=]|pos=SR|pos2=CE}}
|list2c={{Rls player|no=16|name=]|pos=SR|pos2=CE}}
|list2d={{Rls player|no=17|name=]{{dn|date=March 2014}}|pos=PR}}
|list2e={{Rls player|no=18|name=]|pos=PR}}
|list2f={{Rls player|no=19|name=]|pos=SH}}
|list2g={{Rls player|no=20|name=]|pos=SR}}
|list2h={{Rls player|no=21|name=]|pos=PR}}
|list2i={{Rls player|no=22|name=]|pos=SR}}
|list2j={{Rls player|no=23|name=]|pos=WG|pos2=CE}}
|list2k={{Rls player|no=24|name=]|pos=HK}}
|list2l={{Rls player|no=25|name=]|pos=CE}}
|list2m={{Rls player|no=26|name=]|pos=SR}}


==Stadiums==
|list3a={{Rls player|no=27|name=|pos=}}
Sheffield originally played at ]. In a bid to increase attendances, the Eagles left Don Valley in 2010 and moved to ] where attendances rose to three times more than what they were at Don Valley. The Eagles returned to Don Valley midway through 2011 and stayed there until 2013. Don Valley was demolished in 2014.
|list3b={{Rls player|no=28|name=]|pos=CE|pos2=SR}}
|list3c={{Rls player|no=29|name=]|pos=SR}}
|list3d={{Rls player|no=30|name=]|pos=PR}}


After being left homeless the club moved to the city's greyhound track, ] in ] where they had previously played games between 1984 and 1989. The club experienced a dip in form at Owlerton, with there being temporary changing rooms and poor facilities.
|coach=]
|assistant=]
|assistant2=]
}}


The club moved out of Sheffield for the first time in 2015 when they made the temporary switch to the ], ]. Here they ground shared with ] and local rivals ], who were playing in the same division which meant the two clubs playing an extra home game when they faced each other. At the end of the ], during ], the Eagles' were allowed to return to ] for games against ] and ]. They also hosted ] at the Lane, in a ] fifth round tie.
==2014 transfers==


The Eagles moved to Sheffield Hallam University's Sports Park on Bawtry Road, ], ] in 2016, where the reserves played their home fixtures. Temporary seating was erected to bring the capacity to 3,000 to meet ] (RFL) regulations.
'''Gains'''

{| class="wikitable"
After finding themselves homeless again with work on the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium delayed and unable to find a home in Sheffield, the Eagles played their home matches at ], the home of ], for the duration of the 2017 season.

The club finally permanently returned to Sheffield and the ] in 2018. Work is due to start on the construction of a £5million stadium in the spring of 2019.<ref name="Work to get under way on £5 million stadium">{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/work-to-get-underway-on-5-million-stadium-which-will-give-sheffield-united-women-and-sheffield-eagles-a-home-1-9608903|title=Work to get under way on £5 million stadium which will give Sheffield United Women and Sheffield Eagles a home|publisher=Sheffield Star|access-date=23 February 2019}}</ref>

*] (1999–2009)
*] (2010–2011)
*] (2011–2013)
*] (2014)
*] (2015), (2021)
*] (2016)
*] (2017)
*] (2018–2020)

==Colours and badge==

===Colours===
The club adopted the colours of the original Sheffield Eagles, playing in red, gold and white. The club's shirts have been predominantly red with either a gold or white V across the front. Away shirts vary in colour with some being black or white. The 2020 home shirt is predominantly red, white and gold. The 2020 away kit is a gold and black strip, black shorts and black socks.

===Badge===
<!-- Deleted image removed: ] -->
The original club's badge was an Eagles head inside a crest with ''The Eagles'' across the top and Sheffield Eagles in italics across the bottom. The inside of the crest was yellow with a red border. The new club chose to use a different more updated crest to replace the old dated one. The new more modern crest features an eagle with Sheffield Eagles written below it.

==Kit sponsors and manufacturers==
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|- |-
! Year !!Kit Manufacturer!!Main Shirt Sponsor
! Player !! Club !! Contract length !! Date
|- |-
|1982–1985||]||rowspan=2|Trophy
| ]{{dn|date=March 2014}} || ] || 1 Year || October 2013
|- |-
|1993–1995||]
| ] || ] || 1 Year || November 2013
|- |-
|2007–2008||rowspan=2|]||Roof Shop
| ] || ] || 2 Years || December 2013
|- |-
|2009–2010||Dave Lamb
| ] || ] || 1 Year Loan || February 2014
|- |-
|2011–2014||rowspan=2|]||GBI Group
| ] || ] || 1 Year Loan || February 2014
|- |-
|2015||Black Eye Project
| ] || ] || 1 Year Loan || February 2014
|- |-
|2016||]||DBL Logistics
| ] || ] || 1 Month Loan || April 2014
|}

'''Losses'''
{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Player !! Club !! Contract length !! Date
|-
| ] || Retire || N/A || October 2013
|-
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|-
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|- |-
|2017||Rowspan=3|]||OSI Office & School Furniture
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|- |-
|2018||SteelPhalt
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|- |-
|2019|| rowspan="4" |GRI Group
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|- |-
|2020 || rowspan="3" | Oxen
| ] || ] || || October 2013
|- |-
|2021
| ] || Released || || October 2013
|- |-
|2022
| ] || Released || || October 2013
|- |-
|2023 || rowspan="2" |O'Neills
| ] || Released || || October 2013
| rowspan="4" |Evogo
|- |-
|2024
| ] || Retire || N/A || January 2014
|- |-
| ] || Retire – Temporarily || 2 Years || January 2014
|} |}


==Honours== ==2025 squad==
*Rugby League ]: 1998
*]: 2012, 2013
*]: 1991–92
*]: 1988–89, 1991–92 ''(2 times)''
*]: 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005 ''(5 times)''
*]: 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013 ''(7 times)''
*] Club of the Year: 2001
*]: 1989–90
*]: 2006


{{Rugby league squad
==Players earning international caps while at Sheffield Eagles==
|squadname=Sheffield Eagles 2025 Squad
|BC1=#B50000
|FC1=white
|BC2=gold
|FC2=black
|source=
|date=
|list1a={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=1 |name=]|pos=FB|pos2=HB}} (vc)
|list1b={{flagicon|Jamaica}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=2 |name=]|pos=WG|pos2=FB}}
|list1c={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=3 |name=]|pos=CE}}
|list1d={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=4 |name=]|pos=HB|pos2=CE|pos3=WG}}
|list1e={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=5 |name=]|pos=WG|pos2=CE}}
|list1f={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=6 |name=]|pos=HB}}
|list1g={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=7 |name=]|pos=HB|pos2=HK}}
|list1h={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=8 |name=]|pos=PR}}
|list1i={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=9 |name=]|pos=HK}}
|list1j={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=10 |name=]|pos=PR}}
|list1k={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=11 |name=Connor Bower|pos=SR}}
|list1l={{flagicon|Jamaica}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=12 |name=]|pos=SR}} (c)
|list1m={{flagicon|Zimbabwe}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=13 |name=]|pos=PR}} (vc)


|list2a={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=14 |name=]|pos=HK}}
{{col-begin-small}}
|list2b={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=15 |name=]|pos=SR}}
{{col-4}}
|list2c={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=16 |name=Blake Broadbent|pos=LF|pos2=PR}}
|list2d={{flagicon|NZ}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=17 |name=]|pos=SR|pos2=PR}}
|list2e={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=18 |name=]|pos=LF|pos2=SO}}
|list2f={{flagicon|SAM}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=19 |name=]|pos=SR|pos2=PR}}
|list2g={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=20 |name=]|pos=SR|pos2=PR|pos3=LF}}
|list2h={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=21 |name=]|pos=WG|pos2=FB}}
|list2i={{flagicon|Zimbabwe}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=22 |name=]|pos=PR}}
|list2j={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=23 |name=]|pos=SR|pos2=CE|pos3=LF}}
|list2k={{flagicon|IRE|rugby league}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=24 |name=]|pos=SR|pos2=LF}}
|list2l={{flagicon|ENG}} {{Rugby league squad player|no=25 |name=Jayden Billy|pos=WG}}


|coach=]
|assistant=]
}}

==Players==

===Players earning international caps while at Sheffield Eagles===

{{div col|colwidth=48em|small=yes}}
* ] won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1991 France * ] won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1991 France
* ] won caps for ''France'' while at Sheffield 1995 ?-caps * ]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.totalrl.com/onthisday/index.php?feat_id=268 |title=Mighty Bulls beat Wigan |access-date=15 October 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070607074641/http://www.totalrl.com/onthisday/index.php?feat_id=268 |archive-date=7 June 2007 }}</ref> won caps for ''France'' while at Sheffield 1995 ?-caps
* ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1995 France, Fiji, South Africa (sub), 1996 France, Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1996 Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches), 1997 ] (3 matches) * ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1995 France, Fiji, South Africa (sub), 1996 France, Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1996 Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches), 1997 ] (3 matches)
* ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1995 Wales, while at ] 1999 France (2 matches) * ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1995 Wales, while at ] 1999 France (2 matches)
* ] won caps for ''Wales'' at ] Papua New Guinea (sub), Fiji (sub) and Ireland

* ] won caps for ''Scotland'' including 2 at ] New Zealand (sub) and USA
{{col-4}}
* ] won caps for ''Ireland'' at ] Wales (2 tries)

* ] won caps for ''England'' 1995 France, Australia (2 matches), Fiji, Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' 1993 New Zealand (2 matches), 1994 France, Australia (3 matches) * ] won caps for ''England'' 1995 France, Australia (2 matches), Fiji, Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' 1993 New Zealand (2 matches), 1994 France, Australia (3 matches)
* ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1996 France, Wales * ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1996 France, Wales
* ] won caps for ''Papua New Guinea'' at ] Wales, Ireland (1 try), United States and England (1 try)
* ] won caps for ''England'' while at ] 1992 Wales, while at ] 1996 France (sub), Wales, while at Sheffield 1999 France (2 matches), and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at ] 1993 France, while at ] 1994 Fiji, 1996 Fiji (sub), New Zealand (sub)
* ] won caps for ''France'' at ] Australia (1 goal), England (sub)

* ] won caps for ''England'' while at ] 1992 Wales, while at ] 1996 France (sub), Wales, while at Sheffield 1999 France (2 matches), and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at ] 1993 France, while at ] 1994 Fiji, 1996 Fiji (sub), New Zealand (sub)
{{col-4}}

* ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1992 Wales (sub), 1995 Wales, France, while at ] Australia, South Africa, 1996 Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1990 France (sub), Papua New Guinea (2 matches), New Zealand (sub), New Zealand (2 matches), Australia (3 matches), 1991 France (2 matches), Papua New Guinea, 1992 France (sub), France, Papua New Guinea, Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 1993 France (sub), New Zealand (sub) (3 matches), 1994 France (sub), Australia (2 matches), Australia (sub), while at ] 1996 Papua New Guinea (sub), Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches) * ] won caps for ''England'' while at Sheffield 1992 Wales (sub), 1995 Wales, France, while at ] Australia, South Africa, 1996 Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1990 France (sub), Papua New Guinea (2 matches), New Zealand (sub), New Zealand (2 matches), Australia (3 matches), 1991 France (2 matches), Papua New Guinea, 1992 France (sub), France, Papua New Guinea, Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 1993 France (sub), New Zealand (sub) (3 matches), 1994 France (sub), Australia (2 matches), Australia (sub), while at ] 1996 Papua New Guinea (sub), Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches)

{{col-4}}

* ] won caps for ''England'' while at ] 2000 Australia, Russia, Ireland, New Zealand, 2001 Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1996 Fiji, New Zealand, 1998 New Zealand (3 matches), while at ] 1999 Australia, New Zealand, 2001 Australia (3 matches), 2002 Australia, New Zealand (3 matches), 2003 Australia (2 matches), 2004 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2005 Australia (2 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2006 New Zealand (3 matches), Australia (2 matches), 2007 New Zealand (3 matches) * ] won caps for ''England'' while at ] 2000 Australia, Russia, Ireland, New Zealand, 2001 Wales, and won caps for ''Great Britain'' while at Sheffield 1996 Fiji, New Zealand, 1998 New Zealand (3 matches), while at ] 1999 Australia, New Zealand, 2001 Australia (3 matches), 2002 Australia, New Zealand (3 matches), 2003 Australia (2 matches), 2004 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2005 Australia (2 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2006 New Zealand (3 matches), Australia (2 matches), 2007 New Zealand (3 matches)
* ] won caps for ''Papua New Guinea'' while at Sheffield. ]: Tonga (2 tries),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/png-thrash-tonga-to-reach-pacific-cup-final/news-story/528ed4df2f6a347e3f82b8bc50348bab |title=PNG thrash Tonga to reach Pacific Cup Final |work=] |date=25 October 2009 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> Cook Islands (2 Tries).<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/8336567.stm |title=PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place |work=BBC Sport |date=1 November 2009 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> ]: Australia,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theroar.com.au/2010/10/25/locky-stars-as-kangaroos-thump-papua-new-guinea/ |title=Locky stars as Kangaroos thump Papua New Guinea |work=The Roar |date=25 October 2010 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> New Zealand (1 try),<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_league/9141440.stm |title=New Zealand 76–12 Papua New Guinea |work=BBC Sport |date=30 October 2010 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref> England (1 try).<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2010/nov/06/rugby-league-england-papua-new-guinea |title=England end Four Nations with 36–10 win over Papua New Guinea |work=The Guardian |date=6 November 2010 |access-date=11 December 2016}}</ref>
* ] won caps for ''Papua New Guinea'' while at Sheffield. 2009 Tonga (2 tries), 2009 Cook Islands (2 Tries), 2010 Australia, 2010 New Zealand (1 try), 2010 England (1 try).
{{div col end}}


===Other notable players===
{{col-end}}
These players are either "Hall of Fame"<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sheffieldeagles.com/club/hall_of_fame|title=Hall Of Fame {{!}} Sheffield Eagles RLFC {{!}} The Official Website|website=Sheffield Eagles RLFC {{!}} The Official Website|access-date=26 December 2017}}</ref> inductees, or were international representatives before, or after, their time at Sheffield Eagles.

{{div col|colwidth=18em|small=yes}}
==Other notable players==
* ]
These players have either; received a ], are "Hall of Fame" inductees, played during Sheffield Eagles' four ] seasons, or were international representatives before, or after, their time at Sheffield Eagles.
* ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Paul_Carr.html|title=Paul Carr – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
{{col-begin-small}}
* Mick Cook
{{col-4}}
* ]

* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* Rod Doyle
* ]
* ] * ]
* Mark Gamson
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]

{{col-4}}

* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Willie_Morganson.html|title=Willie Morganson – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

{{col-4}}

* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]

{{col-4}}

* ] * ]
* ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Frederic_Teixido.html|title=Frederic Teixido – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* Darren Turner
* ]
* ]
* ]
* ] * ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Dave_Watson.html|title=Dave Watson – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
* ] * ]
* ] * ]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rugbyleagueproject.org/players/Martin_Wood.html|title=Martin Wood – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project|first=Shawn Dollin and Andrew|last=Ferguson|website=www.rugbyleagueproject.org}}</ref>
* ]
* ] * ]
{{div col end}}


===Reserves===
{{col-end}}

'''Sheffield Hallam Eagles''' were formed in 2013 to compete in the new ]. They are a joint venture between the Eagles and ] to help young local rugby players progress and serve as a reserve team for the Eagles. They have played matches at the ] before it was demolished, but their regular home is at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park. In 2013 under coach ] they lifted the title, beating ], having lost just once all season. In 2014 they also lost just one game, the Grand Final against ]. Between these two defeats they registered 32 straight wins. In 2015, they finished 5th. The Hallam Eagles also finished 5th in 2016 with 17 points from 16 games.

==Staff==

===Sheffield Eagles Staff===
{| class="wikitable"
|-
!Position
!Staff
|-
|Head coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} ]
|-
|Assistant coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} ]
|-
|Assistant coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} ]
|-
|Strength & Conditioning Coach||{{flagicon|ENG}} Simon Vardy
|-
|Head physio||{{flagicon|ENG}} Mick Heys
|-
|Equipment & Apparel Manager||{{flagicon|ENG}} Brian Moore
|-
|Operations Director||{{flagicon|ENG}} Mark Hannigan
|-
|Customer Experience Manager||{{flagicon|ENG}} Becky Higgins
|}

===List of head coaches===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-rank
!Name
!Years
!Honours
|-
|] ||1984–1993 ||
|-
|] || 1993–1996 ||
|-
|] || 1997 ||
|-
|] || 1997–1999 || ] 1998
|-
|] || 1999–2005 ||
|-
|] || 2006 || ] 2006
|-
|] || 2007–2024|| ] 2012, 2013 | ] 2019
|-
|] || 2025–|| ||
|}

==Seasons==

===League history===
{|
|-
|valign="top"|
*1984–1989: ]
*1989–1996: ]
*1996–1999: ]
*2000–2002: ]
*2003–2005: ]
*2006–Present: ]
|}

===Super League era===

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center"
|-
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|Season
!colspan="9" scope="col"|League
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|]
!rowspan="2" scope="col"|]
!colspan="2" rowspan="2" scope="col"|Other competitions
!scope="col"|Name
!scope="col"|Tries
!scope="col"|Name
!scope="col"|Points
|-
!scope="col"|Division
!scope="col"|P
!scope="col"|W
!scope="col"|D
!scope="col"|L
!scope="col"|F
!scope="col"|A
!scope="col"|Pts
!scope="col"|Pos
!colspan="2" scope="col"|Top try scorer
!colspan="2" scope="col"|Top point scorer
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|22||10||0||12||599||730||20
|7th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|22||9||0||13||415||574||18
|8th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|23||8||2||13||495||541||18
|8th
|
|style="background-color:#FE2"|''']'''
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|30||10||1||19||518||818||21
|style="background:#ffdddd;"|10th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|28||9||1||18||479||585||19
|14th
|
|R3
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|28||14||0||14||637||543||28
|11th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|27||13||0||14||597||648||26
|style="background:#ffdddd;"|12th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||13||0||5||644||326||26
|1st
|Lost in final
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||12||0||6||569||340||24
|3rd
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||8||0||10||414||529||16
|7th
|
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|22||18||0||4||808||390||36
|style="background:#ddffdd;"|2nd
|Won in final
|R3
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||6||1||11||414||527||24
|6th
|Lost in elimination playoffs
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||8||1||9||425||530||29
|7th
|
|R3
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|20||11||0||9||635||447||42
|3rd
|Lost in elimination playoffs
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|20||10||1||9||503||555||35
|6th
|Lost in preliminary final
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|20||12||0||8||577||488||39
|4th
|Lost in final
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|18||12||1||5||565||437||41
|4th
|Won in final
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|26||22||0||4||806||474||67
|2nd
|Won in final
|QF
|] ||style="background-color:#DDD"|'''RU'''
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|26||16||0||10||790||605||54
|5th
|
|R5
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|]
|]
|23||17||0||6||586||451||34
|3rd
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|R5
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|The Qualifiers
|7||2||0||5||152||267||4
|7th
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|]
|]
|23||8||0||15||583||617||16
|7th
|rowspan="2"|Lost in Shield Final
|rowspan="2"|R5
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|Championship Shield
|30||12||0||18||855||763||24
|3rd
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|]
|]
|23||10||0||13||568||785||20
|7th
|rowspan="2"|Lost in Shield Final
|rowspan="2"|R4
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|Championship Shield
|30||13||0||17||762||986||26
|3rd
|-
!scope="row" rowspan="2"|]
|]
|23||7||0||16||437||843||14
|8th
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|R4
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|rowspan="2"|
|-
|Championship Shield
|30||8||0||22||549||1091||16
|6th
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|27||15||0||12||748||694||30
|7th
|
|R4
|] ||style="background-color:#FE2"|''']'''
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]{{efn|The ] was abandoned due to the ]. Statistics shown are those at time of abandonment and are not official.}}
|]
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|5||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|1||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|0||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|4||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|60||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|148||style="background:#C0C0C0;"|2
|style="background:#C0C0C0;"|11th
|
|R6
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|20||5||3||12||420||665||13
|12th
|
|R3{{efn|Officially round 1 due to the competitions temporary restructure in 2021.}}
|] ||R1
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|27||12||0||15||701||660||24
|7th
|
|R6
|] ||SF
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|27||16||0||11||780||560||32
|4th
|Lost in Elimination Playoffs
|R4
| ||
|
|
|
|
|-
!scope="row"|]
|]
|27||16||0||11||780||560||32
|7th
|
|R6
|] ||style="background-color:#DDD"|]
|
|
|
|
|}

==Honours==

===League===
*]:
::'''Winners (2)''': 2012, 2013
::'''Runners up (1)''': 2011
*]:
:::]: 2006

===Cup===
*]:
::'''Winners (1)''': 1998
::'''Runners up (0)''':
*]:
::'''Winners (1)''': 2019
::'''Runners up (1)''': 2024
*]:
::'''Runners up (1)''': 2013
*Tolent Cup:
::'''Winners (5)''': 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005
::'''Runners up (0)''':
*South Yorkshire Cup:
::'''Winners (8)''': 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
::'''Runners up (0)''':


==Records== ==Records==

===Player records=== ===Player records===
*Most tries in a game: 5 by ] (vs ]) 2 January 1989 & ] vs Leigh East 7 April 2013 *Most tries in a game: 5 by ] vs Leigh East 7 April 2013, ] vs ] 7 September 2014 & ] (vs ]) 2 January 1989
*Most goals in a game: 14 by ] vs Leigh East 7 April 2013 *Most goals in a game: 14 by ] vs Leigh East 7 April 2013
*Most points in a game: 32 by ] (vs ]) 21 September 1986 *Most points in a game: 32 by Roy Rafferty (vs ]) 21 September 1986
*Most tries in a season: 46 by ], 2013 *Most tries in a season: 46 by ], 2013
*Most goals in a season: 169 by ], 2013 *Most goals in a season: 169 by ], 2013
*Most points in a season: 361 by ], 2013 *Most points in a season: 361 by ], 2013
*Most career tries: 118 by ], 2009– *Most career tries: 195 by ], 2009–19
*Most career goals: 940 (+46dg) by ], 1985–2004
*Most career points: 2142 by ], 1986–2004
*Most career appearances: 389 by ], 1986–2004


===Team records=== ===Team records===
*Highest score for: 112–6 vs Leigh East 7 April 2013 *Highest score for: 112–6 vs Leigh East 7 April 2013
*Highest score against: 0–88 vs ], 2 February 2003 *Highest score against: 0–88 vs ], 2 February 2003
*Highest attendance: 10,603 vs ], 16 August 1997 *Highest attendance: 10,603 vs ], 16 August 1997

==Women's team==
In November 2021, Sheffield Eagles announced plans to establish a women's team in January 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/36284/sheffield-eagles-to-launch-womens-team-in-2022 |title=Sheffield Eagles to launch Women's team in 2022 |publisher=RFL |date=18 November 2021 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> The team competed in League 1 winning the Grand Final 26–6 over Illingworth and earning promotion to the ] for 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/61035/grand-final-success-for-sheffield-eagles-and-oulton-raidettes |title=Grand Final Success for Sheffield Eagles and Oulton Raidettes |publisher=RFL |date=6 October 2022 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> In December 2023, it was revealed that Sheffield would make their ] debut in 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/62370/sheffield-eagles-to-join-super-league-heavyweights-in-2024-betfred-womens-challenge-cup |title=Sheffield Eagles to join Super League heavyweights in 2024 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup |publisher=RFL |date=22 December 2023 |access-date=10 January 2024}}</ref> In January 2024, following the restructuring of the women's league pyramid, it was announced that Sheffield would be in the ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/62419/new-era-for-tier-two-of-womens-rugby-league |title=New era for Tier Two of Women's Rugby League |publisher=RFL |date=25 January 2024 |access-date=27 January 2024}}</ref> They finished second in the league and lost to the league leaders, {{Rlw team|leigh leopards}}, in the Grand Final.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.rugby-league.com/article/63122/leigh-leopards-women-to-host-northern-championship-final |title=Leigh Leopards Women to host Northern Championship Final |publisher=RFL |date=19 September 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Women |work=] |p=31 |issue=3449 |date=23 September 2024}}</ref>

==See also==
*]: wheelchair rugby league team

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist}}


== External links == ==External links==
{{commons category}}
*
* {{Official website}}
*
*
*
*


{{Sheffield Eagles}}
{{Navboxes
{{Super League}}
| title = <span style="color:yellow;">Sheffield Eagles </span>
| titlestyle = background: red
| list = {{Sheffield Eagles}}
{{Sheffield Eagles - 1998 Challenge Cup Final Winners}} }}
{{RFL Championship}} {{RFL Championship}}
{{Super League Europe}}
{{Championship 1}}
{{British Rugby League links}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sheffield Eagles}}
]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]
]
] ]
] ]
]

Latest revision as of 23:14, 12 January 2025

English professional rugby league club
This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed.
Find sources: "Sheffield Eagles" – news · newspapers · books · scholar · JSTOR (July 2009) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

Sheffield Eagles
Club information
Full nameSheffield Eagles Rugby League Football Club
Nickname(s)The Eagles
The Red and Golds
ColoursRed, white and gold
Founded1984; 41 years ago (1984)
Websitesheffieldeagles.com
Current details
Ground(s)
CoachCraig Lingard
CaptainJoel Farrell
CompetitionChampionship
2024 season7th
Current season
Uniforms
Home colours Away colours
Records
Championship2 (2012, 2013)
Challenge Cup1 (1998)
1895 Cup1 (2019)
Most capped389 – Mark Aston
Highest points scorer2142 – Mark Aston

The Sheffield Eagles are a professional rugby league club based in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. They play home games at the Olympic Legacy Park and compete in the Championship, the second tier of British rugby league.

Sheffield's only major honour was winning the 1998 Challenge Cup, they have won the Second Division twice.

The clubs traditional home colours are red, white and gold and they share a rivalry with Doncaster.

History

This section possibly contains original research. Please improve it by verifying the claims made and adding inline citations. Statements consisting only of original research should be removed. (December 2016) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

1982–1984: Foundation of original Eagles

In 1982, Huddersfield captain and chairman of the Players' Union, Gary Hetherington, missed out on a coaching job at York F.C. He decided to form his own club in Sheffield. The original plan to enter the Second Division in 1983–84 fell apart when Sheffield United pulled back from their promise to let the new team play its home games at Bramall Lane.

The club eventually joined the Second Division in 1984, coached by Alan Rhodes, they played at the Owlerton Stadium. A competition was run in the Sheffield Star newspaper to find a name for the new club and "Sheffield Eagles" was the winner. The first Eagles league game was on 2 September 1984 when they beat Rochdale Hornets, 29–10. The match took place the day after the club's sponsor went bust. Hetherington was both manager and player in the first season, building the team using experienced players from traditional areas. He also began signing up promising young players, one of whom was Mark Aston, later to be a critical part of the Eagles' survival as a club and current head coach.

By November the club was close to folding because of financial problems. Sheffield beat Wakefield Trinity to set up a John Player Special Trophy first round tie against Leeds Rhinos. This lucrative game generated enough cash to see out the season.

1985–1998: Progress and Challenge Cup win

On the field the club progressed steadily, improving their league position until in 1988/89 they finished third in the league table and made it to the Second Division Premiership final at Old Trafford. In the final they outplayed Swinton, beating them by 43–18 and gaining promotion to the top flight of rugby league. Sheffield's record attendance at Owlerton was set at 3,636 for a third-round Challenge Cup game against Oldham in 1989.

In the wake of the Hillsborough disaster, stadium safety became an issue in British sport and Owlerton was declared unfit to stage professional rugby league. Eagles were forced to play their home games at seven different venues including Hillsborough itself, Bramall Lane, Recreation Ground, Oakwell Stadium and Belle Vue. They survived one season in the top flight but were then relegated. This was a temporary decline as they immediately regained their place in the First Division, winning the Second Division title and Premiership. The Eagles slowly established themselves as a top flight club.

Don Valley Stadium became home for the club in September 1990, it had been built for the 1991 World Student Games held in Sheffield. In May 1991, Eagles signed their first local recruit, Jason Davidson. In 1992 they reached the Yorkshire Cup final, losing to Wakefield Trinity.

Bill Gardner became coach in July 1993 season replacing Gary Hetherington who stood down from his coaching role. In December following a run of five defeats, he was sacked and Hetherington took over as coach again.

Sheffield was included on the schedule for a game against the Kangaroos during their 1994 Kangaroo Tour and were defeated, 80–2, in the first game following the first test match at Wembley. This was the highest score by a Kangaroo touring team in England since they had defeated Bramley, 92–7, on the 1921–22 tour. The Kangaroos ran in 14 tries to nil at Don Valley Stadium. However, because of the tie the club benefited from a significant financial gain.

In March 1995, Sheffield pulled out of a proposed merger with Doncaster following a "breach of confidentiality"; Sheffield were then set to take-over 'The Dons' in a deal with administrators, which fell through after the RFL declared Doncaster players to be free agents.

When a Rupert Murdoch-funded Super League competition was first proposed, part of the deal was that some traditional clubs would merge. Sheffield were again down to merge with Doncaster to form a South Yorkshire club that would compete in Super League. This, along with other proposed mergers, were strongly opposed by supporters and never materialised. As Sheffield Eagles the club became a founder member of Super League in 1996 and took part in the first game of the Super League era against Paris Saint-Germain.

In November 1996, chief executive Gary Hetherington sold his controlling interest in Sheffield Eagles to take over Leeds. Phil Larder became head coach, Paul Thompson, Chairman of Sheffield-based Sanderson Group Plc, became the majority shareholder, and Eagles plc became the first rugby league club to be floated on the Stock Exchange.

John Kear took over the coaching reins at Sheffield Eagles in 1997, taking them to the Premiership Semi-final in that year. The club's record attendance was set in August 1997 when 10,603 spectators saw them play Bradford Bulls.

On 2 May 1998, having beaten Leigh Centurions, Egremont Rangers, Castleford Tigers and Salford Red Devils, the Eagles faced Wigan Warriors at Wembley Stadium in the final of the Rugby League Challenge Cup. Wigan were overwhelming favourites with a side containing some of the best players of the modern era, including Andy Farrell, Jason Robinson and Henry Paul. Sheffield coach John Kear devised a game plan that was executed perfectly by the team on the day. Star of the show was scrum half Mark Aston, who won the Lance Todd Trophy as man of the match. The Eagles led from start to finish, running out 17–8 winners in one of the biggest upsets in the history of the competition.

Huddersfield–Sheffield Giants

Just as the club seemed to be on the verge of its greatest period, following the win in the cup final, things began to go wrong. The expected increase in attendances did not happen and the team did not perform well, finishing close to the relegation zone only one year after the Wembley triumph. Finances plummeted and with little outside help it became apparent that the Eagles were not viable in their current state. Just a year after performing the greatest upset in Challenge Cup history, the Eagles announced that they were to fold at the end of the season should no investors come on board to save the club.

In late 1999 the Rugby Football League wanted to lower the number of clubs in Super League. One of the measures they put in place was the option for two clubs to merge for the sum of £1,000,000. Fearing this was the only way to keep rugby league alive in Sheffield, the club accepted an offer from the RFL to merge with another struggling team, the Huddersfield Giants, making a new team Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants, who were scheduled to play games in both Sheffield and Huddersfield in Super League V. The Huddersfield-Sheffield side's away strip was in the Sheffield Eagles colours. The merged Huddersfield-Sheffield team did not last the season before reverting to the Huddersfield name. An immediately resurrected Sheffield Eagles would continue in the lower leagues.

2000–2005: 'New' Sheffield Eagles

The merger with Huddersfield was not accepted by Sheffield supporters , and so former player Mark Aston formed a new Eagles phoenix club, earning a place in the Northern Ford Premiership for the 2000 season, taking Bramley's vacated place.

From 1999 to the present the Eagles have played in the semi-professional leagues, first the Northern Ford Premiership and then the second division of the LHF Healthplan National League. Mark Aston assumed the role of player manager, continuing on the field until 2004, when he officially retired from playing. After the 2004 season Mark replaced his father Brian as chief executive, bringing in a new head coach in Gary Wilkinson at the end of the following year. As soon as the new club was reformed, it vowed to never overstretch its finances to achieve success. This made life difficult as the Eagles were denied the money received by other clubs in the NFP for TV rights as part of the deal that allowed them to re-enter the professional leagues.

2003 brought two club records; Sheffield suffered their record defeat on 2 February 2003 0–88 to Hull F.C. However, on 3 August 2003, London Skolars were the victims as Sheffield Eagles won 98–4, a record league victory to this day. In 2003 the team finished top of National League Two and reached the Grand Final, agonisingly losing 13–11 to the Keighley Cougars. Victory would have sent the Eagles into National League One, but this was not to be and a second play-off against the Batley Bulldogs ended in failure for the demoralised squad.

2006–2008: Promotion

Until 2006 the team struggled to match this effort, with key players retiring or being signed by bigger clubs – young players Mitchell Stringer and Andy Raleigh went on to sign for Super League clubs. At the start of the 2006 season Gary Wilkinson was brought in as coach and the team finished in second place, qualifying for the play-offs for the right to join champions Dewsbury Rams in National League One. On 22 September 2006 they beat the Crusaders at the Don Valley Stadium to qualify for the Grand Final for a second time. In the Grand Final on 8 October they beat Swinton Lions 35–10 to be promoted to National League One. To the surprise of many Wilkinson resigned as head coach on 15 October 2006, citing personal reasons. National League One was seen as a springboard to a potential return to Super League, although this would be dependent on the RFL's continuation of the franchising or licensing system. As Sheffield Eagles' chairman Ian Swire, remarked, after the 2006 Grand Final victory, "We showed on Sunday that we can compete, and that in the near- to not-too-distant future we will get back into Super League".

Mark Aston returned as coach in 2007. The 2007 season started slowly for the promoted team but ended with the Eagles defying the bookmakers, who had them as favourites for relegation, by finishing 6th in the league table and qualifying for the play-offs, where they lost a close game to Halifax.

2009–2012: Move to Bramall Lane

In 2009 National League 1 was renamed the Co-operative Championship. The 2009 season started unevenly with incoming International players delayed by visa problems. However, the Eagles rallied to progress to the 5th round of the Challenge Cup and produced consistent performances, gaining at least a losing bonus point from all their League games. Despite a number of long-term injuries, the team finished 3rd only narrowly missing out on 2nd place; their highest finish since the re-launch, and they again qualified for the play-offs. In the play-offs they were expected to easily beat Featherstone Rovers in the first match at Don Valley Stadium. However, Rovers surprised many by winning, ending Sheffield's season at the first play-off hurdle.

On 16 October 2009, the Eagles announced they would be moving their home games from the start of the 2010 season to Bramall Lane, home of Sheffield United in a bid to increase attendances and atmosphere at games which now take place on Sunday afternoons. The Eagles moved to Bramall Lane on 11 April 2010, losing by 40–16 to Featherstone Rovers. The attendance of 2,871 was 3 times the average the Eagles achieved at Don Valley Stadium and the club hope to push on from there to achieve a Super League licence. The 2010 season saw the club finish in 6th place, making the play-offs and surprising both Leigh Centurions and Barrow Raiders with away victories before falling to eventual champions Halifax.

The 2012 season was the Eagles most successful to date, reaching the semi-finals of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time and beating Featherstone Rovers 20–16 in the Grand Final to become Championship Champions. The final was a re-match of the 2011 fixture which was the Eagles 1st ever appearance at the final but were beaten soundly on that occasion 40–4. The Eagles defeated Batley, Halifax and Leigh to reach the Grand Final with Scott Turner, Misi Taulapapa, Quentin Laulu-Togagae and Dane McDonald all scoring for the Eagles to bring the trophy back to Sheffield.

The Eagles played 3 home games at Bramall Lane in 2012 with the rest taking place at Don Valley including a crowd on 1,895 watching the opening league game against Swinton Lions at Don Valley, the Eagles' highest crowd there since the Super League era.

2013–2017: Post Don Valley

The 2013 season was equally if not more successful that the previous season, reaching the final of the Northern Rail Cup for the first time, losing to Leigh at the Shay, but more importantly becoming the first side to win back to back Championship Grand Finals by beating Batley 19–12 at Leigh Sports Village to retain the Championship title.

The Eagles moved back to Owlerton Stadium for the 2014 season as the Don Valley Stadium was scheduled for demolition. The Eagles planned to play at the new Sheffield Hallam University facility at Bawtry Road but unfortunately this was not possible and Owlerton Stadium stepped in at the last minute. Sheffield Eagles announced that they would leave Owlerton for the 2015 season due to new Rugby Football League ground regulations and played the season in nearby Doncaster at the Keepmoat Stadium, home of Doncaster.

In 2016 it was announced the Eagles would play at Sheffield Hallam University's Sports Park. The first league game played by the professional team there was against Halifax and they won 26–6.

In 2017, the club agreed a one-year ground share with Wakefield Trinity at Belle Vue. The club also returned to being a semi-professional outfit after an unsuccessful time as professional.

2018–present: Permanent return to Sheffield

The Eagles made their long-awaited return to their home city at the Olympic Legacy Park in 2018. The new stadium has a 4G pitch and a capacity of 1,889, although this is expected to increase to meet Rugby Football League (RFL) regulations. The first home game back in Sheffield was against Toronto Wolfpack on 11 March, they lost 10–44. Ahead of this season players Greg Burns, Matt James and Ryan Millar agreed to sign on for a further two years. They struck a deal with Super League side St. Helens for players on Dual registration; this helped bolster the squad throughout the season and was considered to be a huge contribution to keeping them in the division. After a seven-game losing streak to open the season, the Eagles finally won, at home against Rochdale by 38 points to 20. The season, however, ended disappointingly as the Eagles finished eighth in the league with the greatest achievement being staying up.

In 2019, however, things were looking up for the side as they brought in 14 new signings, including ex-Eagles Jason Crookes, James Davey and Pat Walker, but lost key players in Joshua Toole (Forbes), Matty Fozard (London). They got off to a flying start as they overcame the challenges of Swinton, Barrow and Bradford in the first month of the new season. That year saw the Eagles return to Wembley for the first time in more than 2 decades to claim the inaugural 1895 Cup by defeating Widnes 38–16. However, their League season was less of a success as they finished in 7th place.

During the off-season, plans to build the Olympic Legacy Park were put into jeopardy as a court case to claim 100% ownership of Sheffield United F.C. found in favour of HRH Prince Abdullah bin Musa'ad bin Abdulaziz Al Saud over Kevin McCabe -one of the main investors to the OLP project for Sheffield. Because of this, there were fears that Mr McCabe would remove plans for his Scarborough Group LTD to head up construction of a new ground on the site at the OLP. However, these fears were quashed when it was revealed construction would go ahead as planned in early 2020.

Sheffield finished the 2021 Championship season in 12th place on the table. In the final game of the year, Sheffield were beaten 78-10 by Featherstone. The following season the club finished 7th on the table and missed out on the playoffs. In the 2023 RFL Championship, Sheffield finished fourth on the table and qualified for the finals, however they were eliminated in the first week of the finals by London losing 42-0. In 2024, Sheffield finished 7th on the table but missed out on the playoffs due to an inferior for and against.

Stadiums

Sheffield originally played at Don Valley Stadium. In a bid to increase attendances, the Eagles left Don Valley in 2010 and moved to Bramall Lane where attendances rose to three times more than what they were at Don Valley. The Eagles returned to Don Valley midway through 2011 and stayed there until 2013. Don Valley was demolished in 2014.

After being left homeless the club moved to the city's greyhound track, Owlerton Stadium in Hillsborough where they had previously played games between 1984 and 1989. The club experienced a dip in form at Owlerton, with there being temporary changing rooms and poor facilities.

The club moved out of Sheffield for the first time in 2015 when they made the temporary switch to the Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster. Here they ground shared with Doncaster Rovers and local rivals Doncaster, who were playing in the same division which meant the two clubs playing an extra home game when they faced each other. At the end of the season, during The Qualifiers, the Eagles' were allowed to return to Bramall Lane for games against Hull K.R. and Wakefield Trinity. They also hosted Hull F.C. at the Lane, in a Challenge Cup fifth round tie.

The Eagles moved to Sheffield Hallam University's Sports Park on Bawtry Road, Brinsworth, Rotherham in 2016, where the reserves played their home fixtures. Temporary seating was erected to bring the capacity to 3,000 to meet Rugby Football League (RFL) regulations.

After finding themselves homeless again with work on the Sheffield Olympic Legacy Stadium delayed and unable to find a home in Sheffield, the Eagles played their home matches at Belle Vue, the home of Wakefield Trinity, for the duration of the 2017 season.

The club finally permanently returned to Sheffield and the Olympic Legacy Park in 2018. Work is due to start on the construction of a £5million stadium in the spring of 2019.

Colours and badge

Colours

The club adopted the colours of the original Sheffield Eagles, playing in red, gold and white. The club's shirts have been predominantly red with either a gold or white V across the front. Away shirts vary in colour with some being black or white. The 2020 home shirt is predominantly red, white and gold. The 2020 away kit is a gold and black strip, black shorts and black socks.

Badge

The original club's badge was an Eagles head inside a crest with The Eagles across the top and Sheffield Eagles in italics across the bottom. The inside of the crest was yellow with a red border. The new club chose to use a different more updated crest to replace the old dated one. The new more modern crest features an eagle with Sheffield Eagles written below it.

Kit sponsors and manufacturers

Year Kit Manufacturer Main Shirt Sponsor
1982–1985 O'Neills Trophy
1993–1995 matchmakers
2007–2008 Kukri Roof Shop
2009–2010 Dave Lamb
2011–2014 Macron GBI Group
2015 Black Eye Project
2016 BLK DBL Logistics
2017 O'Neills OSI Office & School Furniture
2018 SteelPhalt
2019 GRI Group
2020 Oxen
2021
2022
2023 O'Neills Evogo
2024

2025 squad

Sheffield Eagles 2025 Squad
First team squad Coaching staff

Head coach

Assistant coach

Legend:
  • (c) Captain(s)
  • (vc) Vice-captain(s)



Players

Players earning international caps while at Sheffield Eagles

  • Mark Aston won caps for Great Britain while at Sheffield 1991 France
  • Frédéric Banquet won caps for France while at Sheffield 1995 ?-caps
  • Paul Broadbent won caps for England while at Sheffield 1995 France, Fiji, South Africa (sub), 1996 France, Wales, and won caps for Great Britain while at Sheffield 1996 Papua New Guinea, Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches), 1997 ASL (3 matches)
  • Anthony Farrell won caps for England while at Sheffield 1995 Wales, while at Leeds 1999 France (2 matches)
  • Matty Fozard won caps for Wales at 2017 World Cup Papua New Guinea (sub), Fiji (sub) and Ireland
  • Andrew Henderson won caps for Scotland including 2 at 2013 World Cup New Zealand (sub) and USA
  • Will Hope won caps for Ireland at 2017 World Cup Wales (2 tries)
  • Lee Jackson won caps for England 1995 France, Australia (2 matches), Fiji, Wales, and won caps for Great Britain 1993 New Zealand (2 matches), 1994 France, Australia (3 matches)
  • John "Johnny" Lawless won caps for England while at Sheffield 1996 France, Wales
  • Garry Lo won caps for Papua New Guinea at 2017 World Cup Wales, Ireland (1 try), United States and England (1 try)
  • Rémy Marginet won caps for France at 2017 World Cup Australia (1 goal), England (sub)
  • Steve Molloy won caps for England while at Leeds 1992 Wales, while at Featherstone Rovers 1996 France (sub), Wales, while at Sheffield 1999 France (2 matches), and won caps for Great Britain while at Leeds 1993 France, while at Featherstone Rovers 1994 Fiji, 1996 Fiji (sub), New Zealand (sub)
  • Daryl Powell won caps for England while at Sheffield 1992 Wales (sub), 1995 Wales, France, while at Keighley Australia, South Africa, 1996 Wales, and won caps for Great Britain while at Sheffield 1990 France (sub), Papua New Guinea (2 matches), New Zealand (sub), New Zealand (2 matches), Australia (3 matches), 1991 France (2 matches), Papua New Guinea, 1992 France (sub), France, Papua New Guinea, Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 1993 France (sub), New Zealand (sub) (3 matches), 1994 France (sub), Australia (2 matches), Australia (sub), while at Keighley 1996 Papua New Guinea (sub), Fiji, New Zealand (3 matches)
  • Keith Senior won caps for England while at Leeds 2000 Australia, Russia, Ireland, New Zealand, 2001 Wales, and won caps for Great Britain while at Sheffield 1996 Fiji, New Zealand, 1998 New Zealand (3 matches), while at Leeds 1999 Australia, New Zealand, 2001 Australia (3 matches), 2002 Australia, New Zealand (3 matches), 2003 Australia (2 matches), 2004 Australia (3 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2005 Australia (2 matches), New Zealand (2 matches), 2006 New Zealand (3 matches), Australia (2 matches), 2007 New Zealand (3 matches)
  • Menzie Yere won caps for Papua New Guinea while at Sheffield. 2009 Pacific Cup: Tonga (2 tries), Cook Islands (2 Tries). 2010 Four Nations: Australia, New Zealand (1 try), England (1 try).

Other notable players

These players are either "Hall of Fame" inductees, or were international representatives before, or after, their time at Sheffield Eagles.

Reserves

Sheffield Hallam Eagles were formed in 2013 to compete in the new Conference League South. They are a joint venture between the Eagles and Sheffield Hallam University to help young local rugby players progress and serve as a reserve team for the Eagles. They have played matches at the Don Valley Stadium before it was demolished, but their regular home is at Sheffield Hallam University Sports Park. In 2013 under coach Andrew Henderson they lifted the title, beating Nottingham Outlaws, having lost just once all season. In 2014 they also lost just one game, the Grand Final against Valley Cougars. Between these two defeats they registered 32 straight wins. In 2015, they finished 5th. The Hallam Eagles also finished 5th in 2016 with 17 points from 16 games.

Staff

Sheffield Eagles Staff

Position Staff
Head coach England Craig Lingard
Assistant coach England Craig Huby
Assistant coach England Paul Broadbent
Strength & Conditioning Coach England Simon Vardy
Head physio England Mick Heys
Equipment & Apparel Manager England Brian Moore
Operations Director England Mark Hannigan
Customer Experience Manager England Becky Higgins

List of head coaches

Name Years Honours
Gary Hetherington 1984–1993
Gary Hetherington 1993–1996
Phil Larder 1997
John Kear 1997–1999 Challenge Cup 1998
Mark Aston 1999–2005
Gary Wilkinson 2006 National League 2 Playoffs 2006
Mark Aston 2007–2024 Championship 2012, 2013 | 1895 Cup 2019
Craig Lingard 2025–

Seasons

League history

Super League era

Season League Play-offs Challenge Cup Other competitions Name Tries Name Points
Division P W D L F A Pts Pos Top try scorer Top point scorer
1996 Super League 22 10 0 12 599 730 20 7th R5
1997 Super League 22 9 0 13 415 574 18 8th R5
1998 Super League 23 8 2 13 495 541 18 8th W
1999 Super League 30 10 1 19 518 818 21 10th R4
2000 Northern Ford Premiership 28 9 1 18 479 585 19 14th R3
2001 Northern Ford Premiership 28 14 0 14 637 543 28 11th R4
2002 Northern Ford Premiership 27 13 0 14 597 648 26 12th R4
2003 National League Two 18 13 0 5 644 326 26 1st Lost in final R5
2004 National League Two 18 12 0 6 569 340 24 3rd R4
2005 National League Two 18 8 0 10 414 529 16 7th R4
2006 National League Two 22 18 0 4 808 390 36 2nd Won in final R3
2007 National League One 18 6 1 11 414 527 24 6th Lost in elimination playoffs R5
2008 National League One 18 8 1 9 425 530 29 7th R3
2009 Championship 20 11 0 9 635 447 42 3rd Lost in elimination playoffs R5
2010 Championship 20 10 1 9 503 555 35 6th Lost in preliminary final R4
2011 Championship 20 12 0 8 577 488 39 4th Lost in final R4
2012 Championship 18 12 1 5 565 437 41 4th Won in final R5
2013 Championship 26 22 0 4 806 474 67 2nd Won in final QF Championship Cup RU
2014 Championship 26 16 0 10 790 605 54 5th R5
2015 Championship 23 17 0 6 586 451 34 3rd R5
The Qualifiers 7 2 0 5 152 267 4 7th
2016 Championship 23 8 0 15 583 617 16 7th Lost in Shield Final R5
Championship Shield 30 12 0 18 855 763 24 3rd
2017 Championship 23 10 0 13 568 785 20 7th Lost in Shield Final R4
Championship Shield 30 13 0 17 762 986 26 3rd
2018 Championship 23 7 0 16 437 843 14 8th R4
Championship Shield 30 8 0 22 549 1091 16 6th
2019 Championship 27 15 0 12 748 694 30 7th R4 1895 Cup W
2020 Championship 5 1 0 4 60 148 2 11th R6
2021 Championship 20 5 3 12 420 665 13 12th R3 1895 Cup R1
2022 Championship 27 12 0 15 701 660 24 7th R6 1895 Cup SF
2023 Championship 27 16 0 11 780 560 32 4th Lost in Elimination Playoffs R4
2024 Championship 27 16 0 11 780 560 32 7th R6 1895 Cup RU

Honours

League

Winners (2): 2012, 2013
Runners up (1): 2011
Playoff Final: 2006

Cup

Winners (1): 1998
Runners up (0):
Winners (1): 2019
Runners up (1): 2024
Runners up (1): 2013
  • Tolent Cup:
Winners (5): 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005
Runners up (0):
  • South Yorkshire Cup:
Winners (8): 2001, 2002, 2007, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014
Runners up (0):

Records

Player records

Team records

  • Highest score for: 112–6 vs Leigh East 7 April 2013
  • Highest score against: 0–88 vs Hull FC, 2 February 2003
  • Highest attendance: 10,603 vs Bradford Bulls, 16 August 1997

Women's team

In November 2021, Sheffield Eagles announced plans to establish a women's team in January 2022. The team competed in League 1 winning the Grand Final 26–6 over Illingworth and earning promotion to the Championship for 2023. In December 2023, it was revealed that Sheffield would make their Challenge Cup debut in 2024. In January 2024, following the restructuring of the women's league pyramid, it was announced that Sheffield would be in the 2024 Northern Women's Championship. They finished second in the league and lost to the league leaders, Leigh Leopards, in the Grand Final.

See also

Notes

  1. The 2020 Championship was abandoned due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Statistics shown are those at time of abandonment and are not official.
  2. Officially round 1 due to the competitions temporary restructure in 2021.

References

  1. "Operational Rules". RFL. Archived from the original on 8 October 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  2. "Rugby League: Broncos man to coach Eagles". Independent.co.uk. 6 May 1993. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  3. "Rugby League: Gardner takes leave of Sheffield". Independent.co.uk. 8 December 1993. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  4. Dollin, Shawn; Ferguson, Andrew. "Kangaroos Tour 1921 Series – Game 16 – Rugby League Project". RugbyLeagueProject.org. Retrieved 28 December 2016.
  5. "Sheffield Eagles return home". 5 October 2017.
  6. "Sheffield Eagles beat Widnes Vikings to win inaugural 1895 Cup". BBC Sport. 24 August 2019.
  7. "Prince Abdullah wins Sheffield United ownership battlel". Yorkshire Post. 16 September 2019.
  8. "Sheffield Eagles 'New Stadium'". Sheffield Eagles. 27 September 2019.
  9. "Featherstone 78 Sheffield 10". BBC Sport. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  10. "Work to get under way on £5 million stadium which will give Sheffield United Women and Sheffield Eagles a home". Sheffield Star. Retrieved 23 February 2019.
  11. "Mighty Bulls beat Wigan". Archived from the original on 7 June 2007. Retrieved 15 October 2015.
  12. "PNG thrash Tonga to reach Pacific Cup Final". Daily Telegraph. 25 October 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  13. "PNG seal 2010 Four Nations place". BBC Sport. 1 November 2009. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  14. "Locky stars as Kangaroos thump Papua New Guinea". The Roar. 25 October 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  15. "New Zealand 76–12 Papua New Guinea". BBC Sport. 30 October 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  16. "England end Four Nations with 36–10 win over Papua New Guinea". The Guardian. 6 November 2010. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  17. "Hall Of Fame | Sheffield Eagles RLFC | The Official Website". Sheffield Eagles RLFC | The Official Website. Retrieved 26 December 2017.
  18. Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Paul Carr – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  19. Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Willie Morganson – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  20. Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Frederic Teixido – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  21. Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Dave Watson – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  22. Ferguson, Shawn Dollin and Andrew. "Martin Wood – Career Stats & Summary – Rugby League Project". www.rugbyleagueproject.org.
  23. "Sheffield Eagles to launch Women's team in 2022". RFL. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  24. "Grand Final Success for Sheffield Eagles and Oulton Raidettes". RFL. 6 October 2022. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  25. "Sheffield Eagles to join Super League heavyweights in 2024 Betfred Women's Challenge Cup". RFL. 22 December 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  26. "New era for Tier Two of Women's Rugby League". RFL. 25 January 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2024.
  27. "Leigh Leopards Women to host Northern Championship Final". RFL. 19 September 2024. Retrieved 23 September 2024.
  28. "Women". Rugby Leaguer & League Express. No. 3449. 23 September 2024. p. 31.

External links

Sheffield Eagles
Home grounds
Challenge Cup1 (1998)
Seasons
Affiliation
Super League
Current teams
Former teams
Seasons
Season results
Grand Finals
Major events
Awards
Related articles
RFL Championship
Teams
Seasons
Results
Major events
Awards
Related
Categories: