Leigh Leopards secure new kit supplier for 2024 campaign

Whilst it was neighbours Wigan Warriors who secured the Grand Final, it was Leigh Leopards who were still undoubtedly the story of the 2023 season with their bold and brash rebrand stealing the headlines, followed by their even better style of play.

The Leopards would make the playoffs in Super League for the first time in Leigh history as well as winning a historic Challenge Cup final, their first since 1971.

At the forefront of the rebrand was owner Derek Beaumont and his love for all things leopard print, whilst on the pitch it was Lachlan Lam starring under the coaching of his father Adrian that truly made the rebrand work.

Without success on the pitch it could be argued that the rebrand could have gone a very different route, as seen by plenty of pre-season mocking, but fans quickly came to love the leopard print.

It’s now been confirmed though that Leigh will be changing their kit provider for the upcoming season, meaning the question arises of will the leopard print stay?

The club announced the news via their website.

“Leigh Leopards are delighted to announce a brand-new partnership with Patrick UK for the 2024 season.

“Under the agreement, Patrick UK will supply all the Leopards’ training and playing apparel as well as producing a new range of high-quality Patrick-branded products for the club’s retail operation.”

Leigh Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said: “I think it’s important that the club keeps on pushing its boundaries and increasing its commercial opportunities as it strives to grow both on and off the field.

“As much as we are a rebranded club, we are firmly steeped in our heritage and the nostalgic value of old brands has something about it which was influential in our decision to partner Ellgren in 2020. I would like to thank them for their support during that period which we hope added value to their brand.

“Patrick is a brand I remember from when I was a child as what we termed ‘proper rugby boots’ were always Patrick and up to your ankle. I remember specifically a pair with the two stripes in yellow but for some reason I never got those.

“As a club, we were very impressed with the team at Patrick and their recognition of our ethos regarding our whole club being supported across our inclusive teams.”

“It’s important to us that we have uniformity and recognition of our brand and our players and staff that represent us, and Patrick demonstrated a partnership that encompasses that.

“I have already enjoyed working with their design team, as I know has Josh Charnley and other members of the club.

“I am sure our fans will be happy with the quality of garments as well as the design and we hope to play a big part in elevating the brand awareness of Patrick, not just in the world of Rugby League but in sports apparel in general, which we will work hard to do throughout the partnership.”

Gary and Steve Dixon, owners of the Patrick brand, said: “We’re incredibly excited and proud to start this journey with Leigh Leopards, marking the Patrick brand’s long-awaited return to the Betfred Super League. We look forward to working with them for many seasons to come.”

Martin Ivison, General Manager of Patrick UK/Ireland, said: “This is a proper landmark signing, a nostalgic and fond-filled return to where Patrick spent many happy years.

“We’ve been tireless in our pursuit behind the scenes, crafting a fully bespoke set of sporting garments for a team as ambitious as Leigh Leopards.

“I can tell you that everyone here involved in the Patrick brand will be celebrating seeing the Patrick logo upon Leigh Leopards’ debut run out.”