On the eve of the new season, it’s been confirmed that two Leigh Leopards players have left the club on season-long loan deals.
A number of last-minute loan moves have been made by Super League sides with Hull KR sending Danny Richardson to Huddersfield Giants and more recently Castleford Tigers acquiring Ben Davies from St Helens.
There has also been examples of Super League youngsters heading out on loan to Championship outfits with Warrington Wolves duo Jake Thewlis and Zac Bardsley-Rowe joining London Broncos.
Leigh Leopards have followed suit and sent two of their young talents on loan to Barrow Raiders with the pair set for season-long loans at the Cumbrian club.
That news was confirmed by both Leigh and Barrow with forwards Kavan Rothwell and Ryan Brown making the switch on the eve of the new season. It’s a familiar club for the pair with both players having played several games on loan with the Cumbrian club.
Leigh Leopards pair leave club on season-long loan deals
🐆 𝗕𝗥𝗢𝗪𝗡 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗟 𝗝𝗢𝗜𝗡 𝗕𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗢𝗪 𝗢𝗡 𝗟𝗢𝗔𝗡
Leigh Leopards can confirm that young forwards Kavan Rothwell and Ryan Brown have both joined Barrow Raiders on a season long loan.
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Leigh Leopards revealed the loan moves via a club statement with the 22-year-old Rothwell having already spent time at Barrow in 2023 and 2024, whilst 19-year-old Brown played 11 games for the Raiders in 2024.
Speaking on their exits, head of rugby Chris Chester said: “Kavan and Ryan are both really strong prospects that we have high hopes of and players that we really care about.
“It’s a testament to how much the club has grown that we’re now at a point where we can loan out this calibre of player.
“They’ll do a fantastic job at Barrow and hopefully the first team experience will help them reach their full potential and help them come back strong enough to fight for a place in Lammy’s squad.”
As for Barrow, head coach Paul Crarey was delighted to secure the former Wigan Warriors academy players on loan.
He said: “Kavan and Ryan starred for us at times last year, and it’s great for the club that Adrian Lam and Leigh trust our coaching team to help these two outstanding youngsters progress in their careers.
“Both players are tough-as-teak middles with the potential to go right to the top. We all look forward to them playing a big part in our Championship campaign.”
Despite the loan deal being announced as a season-long loan deal, the Leopards will be able to recall either player after the first two weeks of the loan with both players eligible to train at both clubs.
Rothwell and Brown could be in contention to start the Championship season with the Raiders who play Hunslet at home on Sunday.
