In a shocking off-field development, Leigh Leopards’ Director of Rugby Chris Chester has departed the club, having helped oversee the most successful period in the club’s modern history. Chester formed a formidable partnership with head coach Adrian Lam at the Leigh Sports Village, helping bring names such as Tom Amone, Edwin Ipape, and Tesa Niu to the club. His last signing in the role was Joe Ofahengaue, who was brought in from Parramatta last week on a long-term deal.

Prior to joining the Leopards, Chester had two stints as a head coach. His first saw him take the reins at home town club Hull KR, with whom he used to represent as a player. He took them to the 2015 Challenge Cup Final, however, the East Yorkshire side were humbled 50-0 at the showpiece event. Following his spell in charge at the Robins, he had a five-year stint in charge at Wakefield Trinity, leaving in 2021.

The news, which had been rumoured all week, was confirmed on Sky Sports on Saturday, Chester reportedly saying that he felt he had “taken the club as far as he could”, and has already been linked with similar roles at rival clubs. It’s fair to say whoever picks Chester up will have a wily operator on their hands.

Written by Nathan Major-Kershaw (site editor & Hull KR fan)