Leeds Rhinos have signed York youngster Toby Warren on a deal keeping him at Headingley until the end of 2026.

Warren came through the Knights’ ‘Excel’ program and signed his first professional contract at the start of 2021.

The 19-year-old back-rower has played for the Rhinos’ development teams this year as part of the dual-registration agreement between the Rhinos and the Knights and has been a topperformer.

He made his Knights first team debut in a 29-16 win over Newcastle Thunder, playing alongside his soon-to-be teammates Corey Johnson and James McDonnell.

Since then, he has played five first-team games for James Ford’s side and has never lost a game for the Championship side.

Warren is also a Yorkshire representative at academy level, playing in all three origin matches against Lancashire this year.

The signing is yet another part of the project that Rohan Smith is building at Headingley.

The Australian coach has already added Justin Sangare (Toulouse) and James McDonnell (Wigan) to his 2023 roster, with Luke Hooley (Batley) and Leon Ruan (Doncaster) also expected to join the squad.

When speaking to the club’s media team, Warren was excited about the opportunity:

“I am really excited about the future and the opportunity to join one of the biggest clubs in world rugby. I have really enjoyed the time I have spent on loan here over the last two years and it was always a club I wanted to be part of in the future. The lads are all great here and the coaches have really helped me. Chev Walker and Mark Butterill have really helped me as my coaches, and I am excited to work with Rohan Smith now so I can kick on.”

Warren is available for selection for the Knights for this Sunday’s end-of-season clash with Workington Town.