Derek Beaumont explains why Leigh Centurions failed to gain RFL academy license
Betfred Super League Leigh Centurions v Salford Red Devils Derek Beaumont owner of Leigh Centurions poses for photographs with the home supporters after seeing his team win for the first time this season Leigh Leigh Sports Village Greater Manchester United, ManU Kingdom Copyright: xSimonxWhitehead/NewsxImagesxSimonxWhitehead/NewsxImagesx
Derek Beaumont is one of life’s enigmas.
One of the most charitable rugby league owners to have perhaps ever existed, the Leigh Centurions owner does have a number of critics.
But, he is also one of the most transparent owners in the game and regularly goes on social media to air his own opinions which is refreshing to see in the modern era.
Back when Leigh were in Super League in 2021, his Centurions side were one of four – Salford Red Devils, Hull KR and Castleford Tigers included – who failed to be given an RFL Elite Academy License.
That caused uproar amongst the rugby league fraternity with a seemingly large number of players set to have no hometown club through which to progress to the first-team.
And, after being asked as to why his club were not given an Elite Academy License, Beaumont tweeted in response: “There was a limited number of licenses which meant not all SL clubs could have one we met the criteria to apply but was deemed we wasn’t in the top ten bids which was always going be tough when others had them already Salford also missed out.”
There was a limited number of licenses which meant not all SL clubs could have one we met the criteria to apply but was deemed we wasn’t in the top ten bids which was always going be tough when others had them already salford also missed out https://t.co/TAoUbFPwGy
— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) June 8, 2022
Hull KR have since been granted its Elite status whilst Salford and Castleford are still in limbo from those decisions.