Derek Beaumont takes aim at former RFL chairman Simon Johnson

   29/08/2025

LEIGH LEOPARDS owner Derek Beaumont has taken aim at former RFL chairman Simon Johnson on social media.

Johnson, who stepped down after the scheduled spring Council meeting on Wednesday 12 March, has kept himself to himself since leaving the sport following six years as chairman.

However, the decision to merge both the Championship and League One for the 2026 season rankled Johnson who made his feelings known on social media giant, X.

Johnson posted on X: “Rugby League descends into chaos and confusion as the Clubs agree a structure they rejected 18 months ago.

“Meanwhile I am enjoying all the free time they gave me back sitting on a balcony looking at this.”

But Leigh owner Beaumont took umbrage with that social media post, taking aim at Johnson, claiming that the latter had ‘disrespected’ the sport of rugby league.

Beaumont replied in earnest: “Wow! The chaos overseen by you that we are still trying to unravel ! How dare you continue to disrespect the sport! Chair of Special Measures 🙈 that worked! Not! Chair of RFL declining central funding and commercial deals! Not a great view for me or the other owners! As a solicitor you should watch what you say! Or do you fancy a dance with a lay person? Can only be one winner! Facts! The truth always rises to the top! Stop or bring it on or I will you can bank on that!”

Johnson has not yet replied to Beaumont.