LEIGH LEOPARDS will go into their new Championship campaign with some winning mentality behind them after naming Chris Mugan as the team’s new head coach.
Mugan replaces Nigel Johnson and Paul Arnison at the helm, and arrives at Leigh after spending much of the last six years at Wigan Warriors, most recently as assistant coach to Denis Betts.
Whilst at Wigan, Mugan was part of the coaching team that saw the club win an historic treble in 2025, as well as picking up back-to-back Women’s Nines titles in 2024 and 2025.
The appointment is something of a homecoming for Mugan, who started his playing career with Leigh East and Leigh Miners and as a 21-year-old in 2011 also became head coach of Leigh Miners Ladies, who he stayed with until 2013.
Having enjoyed so much success in his time with Wigan, this new role is a very different challenge as Leigh look to make a return to Super League.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be given this opportunity and I’m really excited to get started,” said Mugan.
“As a local lad who has grown up in Leigh, this club means a great deal to me. Having taken some time away from the game midway through last season to support my partner following the birth of our child, I always said that the one opportunity that would bring me back into coaching so soon would be Leigh. If the chance ever came along to return and contribute something to the club, I would be there if I could make a difference.
“I’ve grown up as a Rugby League fan, spending time in the stands at Hilton Park, and the transformation the club has undergone in recent times has been immeasurable. To now have the opportunity to play my part in that journey is something really special.
“Everything is in place to support the women’s team, and it’s clear the club is continually investing in new facilities and resources to enhance performance across all its teams.
“My ambition is to help get the Ladies back into the Super League and continue moving the club forward within the women’s game. There is certainly work to be done in the immediate future and in preparation for next season, but I can’t wait to get started.”
