Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont involved in ‘serious road traffic accident’

The Leigh Leopards have been one of the fairytale stories in Rugby League, going from the Championship to the Super League top four in two seasons, during a run which also involved a Challenge Cup win at Wembley. 

Owner, Derek Beaumont, has been instrumental in their turnaround. Often dressed in his flamboyant Leopard print suit, Beaumont has helped to build a Leigh side which is able to compete with the best sides in Super League. He has also raised the game in terms of entertainment whilst at the club, with top musical acts now a regular part of the build-up to games at Leigh.

In recent weeks, however, Beaumont has swapped his suit for lycra, as he is part of the Leopards in Lycra team, who are aiming to complete the Bolton Ironman Triathlon to raise funds for the Wigan and Leigh Hospice.

But whilst completing his training for the cycling element of the event, he was involved in a collision with a car which may jeopardise his training regime. Thankfully, his injuries are not as serious as they could have been.

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Leigh Leopards owner in ‘serious road traffic accident’

Beaumont was involved in an incident described as a “serious road traffic accident” whilst riding his bike. The incident left the Leigh owner with bruising and whiplash, however, thankfully, his injuries were not more serious thanks to his helmet.

An update posted on the AB Sundecks website provided more details on the incident. The statement said:

“Derek was involved in a serious road traffic accident when a car made a last-minute decision to turn, at a junction, into a 20mph Derek Beaumont.

“After hurtling through the air Derek landed very uncomfortably on the tarmac of a very busy Horwich road leaving him whiplash and heavy bruising to his back, arm and head. Luckily his helmet protected his skull from what could have been a life-threatening blow.”

Describing what comes next in Beaumont’s recovery from the accident, the statement explains:

“[Derek] has seen his physio who is unsure he can continue [training] and is waiting on results from his GP to see how the week might unfold. At the moment rest and recuperation is the only option as we eagerly await the end of the week for a further update.”

In a positive update, posted on X (formerly Twitter), Beaumont confirmed that his recovery was going well and he had suffered no major setbacks. He hopes to be able to continue his training for the event.

Amazing what three days of sleep and following strict advice after a visit to @Dr1veMedicals can do though! Only got a stretch strength test booked in for 9am with coach @DavidRober52980 to see if the arm and back can do a gentle swim @DavidLloydUK there’s hope yet! Watch this… https://t.co/BAxbU32use

— Derek John Beaumont (@derek_beaumont) June 26, 2024

Best of luck with your recovery, Derek, from everyone at Serious About Rugby League!