Leigh Centurions rebrand as Leigh Leopards to mark ‘new era’

Leigh Centurions have announced they have rebranded the club and will now be known as Leigh Leopards.

The club revealed the news at a press conference this afternoon.

Leigh gained promotion back to Super League last season after beating Batley Bulldogs in the Million Pound Game.

That secured a return straight back to the top-flight of British rugby league after suffering relegation the previous season.

Leigh have been relegated in every Super League season they have competed in the competition with the hopes this rebrand will change the club’s fortunes in the top league.

They will be led by former Wigan Warriors head coach Adrian Lam who guided the club back up after losing just one game on their way to clinching the league leaders’ shield and eventually promotion through the play-offs.

🐆 𝘼 𝙉𝙀𝙒 𝙀𝙍𝘼 𝘼𝙏 𝙇𝙀𝙄𝙂𝙃.#Leythers 🔴 pic.twitter.com/e804nPBxRq

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) October 20, 2022

It would be fair to say the rebrand has had somewhat of a mixed reaction online, with many fans unhappy at the name change.

The official Specsavers account even got involved in mocking the club’s new badge.

How much was the MS Paint subscription?

— Specsavers (@Specsavers) October 20, 2022

The club have also revealed a host of new signings including Zak Hardaker and Ricky Leutele.

Both players arrive at the Leigh Sports Village with Super League and Grand Final-winning experience.

As the club announced the signings, they also revealed their new kit, which is somewhat different to that which Leigh fans will be used to.

🤩 Want to see two new signings for this upcoming 2023 @SuperLeague season?

Welcome to the club @rickyleutele and @zakhardaker1!#Leythers 🔴

— Leigh Leopards (@LeighLeopardsRL) October 20, 2022

https://twitter.com/LeighRLFC_/status/1583117823689166848

Leigh owner Derek Beaumont is a figure that is never usually far away from the limelight and today’s news will likely see all eyes on Leigh for the short-term future.

The overhaul, of not just the image of the club but the players, will likely be a warning sign to some Super League sides with Beaumont keen on ensuring Leigh stay in Super League this time around after they were relegated in 2021.