Leigh Leopards look set to be dealt a major blow amid reports that one of the men key to the club’s recent success will leave.
Despite suffering relegation in 2021, Leigh cruised to the Championship title in 2022 before making the Super League play-offs in both 2023 and 2024, as well as securing their famous Challenge Cup victory at Wembley in 2023.
One of the men key to that success was Director of Rugby Chris Chester and it has now been reported that the former Wakefield Trinity and Hull KR boss will leave the club this week.
That’s according to All Out Rugby League where it was revealed that Chester’s tenure with Leigh will come to a close, dealing a huge blow to the Leopards.
During his time at the club, Chester has overseen some of the finest pieces of recruitment in recent memory in both the Championship and Super League with the likes of Tom Amone and Nene Macdonald joining ahead of their Championship campaign.
Others to be signed under Chester’s reign include Edwin Ipape, Kai O’Donnell and John Asiata, whilst Adrian Lam was appointed and son Lachlan signed.
It’s safe to say that those decisions have brought about the most successful period for Leigh during their time in Super League and perhaps even since the cup-winning side in the early 1970s.
Per All Out Rugby League, Chester handed his notice in at the start of the month and will depart this week though there is no clear indication as yet whether a replacement has been found or will be sought.
Prior to taking on the role with Leigh, Chester had served as head coach at both Hull KR and Wakefield Trinity, serving at the latter for over 160 games whilst also taking the Robins to Wembley in 2015.
