Leigh Leopards forward confirms shock retirement aged 27

Leigh Leopards have been dealt a blow ahead of the 2025 season with one of their forwards calling time on the sport, aged just 27.

That man is Dan Norman who has now been released from his contract to retire from the sport, however, not for negative reasons.

Often when players retire early, health issues or injuries can be the cause but for Norman, a successful career outside of the sport is what’s seen him call time on his playing career.

Norman is a personal trainer who had done online coaching alongside his role as a Leigh Leopards player, however, the success and scale of that career have forced him into the ‘toughest decision’ he’ ‘ever had to make’.

The Irish international arrived at Leigh from St Helens and made double-digit appearances in both the 2023 and 2024 Super League campaigns for the Leopards. The club may now move to add another signing to replace Norman.

Prior to Norman’s time at Leigh, he had featured for St Helens in the competition but his debut came with Salford back in 2018. He’s now called time on his Super League career though.

Leigh Leopards forward explains early retirement

Leigh Leopards confirmed Norman’s retirement in a club statement that saw Norman confirm his decision to hang up the boots.

It read: “Leigh Leopards can confirm that Dan Norman has announced his decision to retire from Rugby League, and as such, the club has agreed to release him from his contract early.

“Fans who follow Dan on social media will know about the fitness business he has been building alongside his playing career.

“With the growing success of this venture, Dan has decided that the time and focus required to further develop his business are no longer compatible with the demands of being a professional rugby league player.”

Norman would comment himself upon the decision, something he had clearly agonised over as he said: “This has been the toughest decision I’ve ever had to make, but the time has come for me to step away from Rugby League.

“For the last four years, I have been building my online coaching business alongside playing rugby, but I have now reached a point where, to continue growing the business, I need to fully commit to it and scale it to the level I want it to reach.

“It has been an absolute honour to represent Leigh and the town. Since I first came on loan to the club a few years ago, everyone has been nothing but welcoming.

“I’ve made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, but I now look forward to the next chapter of my life.

“Thank you to all the players, coaches, and staff at the club for everything, and, lastly, thank you to all the fans for their incredible support. The club is in a great place, and I’m excited to watch them take another step forward next season.”

Chris Chester, Leigh’s Head of Rugby, added his support to the decision as well with the club farewelling the 27-year-old ahead of his new venture.