Leigh Leopards are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrew Henderson as the club’s new Director of Rugby.
Henderson arrives at Leigh with one of the most impressive and well-rounded rugby league CVs in the modern game, spanning elite coaching, performance leadership, and director-level operations.
He began his coaching journey in 2013 as Head Coach of Sheffield Hallam Eagles, leading the side to a Conference League South title in their inaugural season.
His rapid rise continued at London Broncos, where he initially joined as Assistant Coach in 2014 before being appointed Head Coach in 2015. Over three seasons in charge, Henderson transformed the club into Championship contenders, securing consecutive second-place finishes (2016, 2017) and earning the prestigious Kingstone Press Championship Coach of the Year award in 2017.
In 2018, Henderson stepped into the Super League as Assistant Coach at Warrington Wolves under Steve Price. During a highly successful four-year spell, he played a key role in guiding the club to a Super League Grand Final and Challenge Cup Final in 2018, before lifting the Challenge Cup at Wembley in 2019.
Transitioning into rugby operations leadership, Henderson was appointed Head of Rugby at Keighley Cougars in 2022. In this role, he oversaw recruitment, performance structures, and club-wide strategy, contributing to a successful 2022 League One campaign and promotion to the Championship.
He returned to frontline coaching as Head Coach of York Knights ahead of the 2023 season, leading the club to the Championship play-offs in his first season and earning further recognition with a Coach of the Year nomination. In 2024, he moved into a senior leadership role as Head of Rugby at York, overseeing operations and long-term development across the club.
Henderson’s experience also extends to the international stage, having served as Assistant Coach with the Combined Nations All Stars, contributing to their victory over England in 2021.
In his new role with Leigh Leopards, Andrew will take responsibility for all rugby operations, including first-team performance, recruitment strategy, pathway development, and long-term planning, bringing a proven track record of success across both coaching and executive leadership.
CEO of Leigh Leopards Neil Jukes said:
“I’d like to welcome Hendo to Leigh Leopards. We’ve been looking to fill this role for quite some time. Whilst we had plenty of interest, it was important we held our nerve to secure the right person to full fill such a vital role within the business.
“His CV within the professional game across many different roles speaks for itself.
“It was abundantly clear he has the drive, enthusiasm, commitment and knowledge to ensure short and long term objectives are met.
“He will jump straight in with Adrian, his staff and our players ensuring they are the best version of themselves as well as navigating through some longer term objectives.”
Andrew Henderson added:
“I’m honoured to be joining the Leigh Leopards as Director of Rugby and would like to thank owner Derek Beaumont, CEO Neil Jukes and Head Coach Adrian Lam for the opportunity.
“Leigh is a club with a proud history, a passionate fanbase, and an ambition that truly resonates with me. The chance to contribute to the next chapter of this organisation is one I accept with great enthusiasm and a strong sense of responsibility.
“I want to place on record my sincere thanks to York Chairman Clint Goodchild for his acceptance and understanding at this time. It has been a privilege to be part of a collective effort that strengthened the club both on and off the field, supporting its transition to Super League. A big thank you to all the staff, players, key partners and fans I have worked with during my time at York for their continued support and commitment.
“My focus now turns fully to Leigh, a club that has demonstrated a real desire to be a focal point of its community, to grow, and to compete consistently at the highest level. I’m looking forward to working with the club hierarchy, Head Coach Adrian Lam, all staff, players and the wider organisation to help drive performance, development and long‑term sustained success.
“I can’t wait to get started and to build on the strong foundations already in place here, as I believe there is a very exciting future ahead for the Leigh Leopards.”
Everyone at Leigh Leopards welcomes Andrew to the club and looks forward to an exciting new chapter!
