Leigh Leopards are delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Mugan as the club’s new Women’s Head Coach ahead of the 2027 season.
Mugan arrives at the Leopards with a wealth of experience in women’s rugby league, having spent the past six seasons as Assistant Coach with Wigan Warriors Women, contributing to one of the most successful periods in the club’s history.
During his time at Wigan, Mugan played an important role in developing the team’s performance and playing structures, working alongside the coaching staff to establish a competitive and successful environment at the highest level of the women’s game.
His time with the Warriors culminated in an outstanding 2025 campaign, which saw the club complete a historic treble, winning the Women’s Super League Grand Final, League Leaders’ Shield and Challenge Cup. He was also part of the coaching setup that secured consecutive Women’s Nines Festival titles in 2024 and 2025.
Working alongside experienced rugby league coach Denis Betts, Mugan has developed a comprehensive understanding of elite performance, player development and the importance of establishing a strong team culture.
The appointment also marks a return to familiar surroundings for Mugan, who previously served as Head Coach of Leigh Miners Ladies between 2011 and 2013. Taking charge at just 21 years of age, he was the youngest head coach in the competition at the time and guided the side to the North West Counties Women’s Plate title in 2013.
With strong roots in the local rugby league community, Mugan’s involvement in the sport began as a junior player with Leigh East and Leigh Miners before progressing through the youth systems at Wigan Warriors, Salford Reds. His playing career also included spells with Blackpool Panthers and Widnes Vikings.
Away from the game, Mugan has achieved a range of academic qualifications up to Degree and Master’s level, allowing him to combine his coaching experience with his passion for education. He has spent the past 16 years teaching at Cansfield High School, where he has benefited from a supportive school environment that has enabled him to balance and develop both his teaching and coaching careers.
In his new role at Leigh Leopards, Mugan will oversee the development and performance of the Women’s first team, with a focus on building a competitive squad, establishing a positive and ambitious team culture, and creating an environment in which players can develop both individually and collectively.
His appointment represents an important step in the club’s continued commitment to women’s rugby league, with the ambition of building a strong and sustainable future for the team and working towards a return to the Women’s Super League.
Central to Mugan’s coaching philosophy is a commitment to putting players first, building trust, maintaining high standards and encouraging continuous improvement. He is also passionate about strengthening the connection between the Women’s team, the wider club and the local community, ensuring that the players have the opportunity to develop as athletes and become positive role models for future generations.
New Leigh Leopards Women’s Head Coach Chris Mugan said:
“I’m absolutely delighted to be given the opportunity to take on the role of Head Coach at Leigh Leopards Ladies, and I’m really excited to get started.
“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 watching the likes of Tommy Martin, Timmy Street and Neil Turley, and I was incredibly proud to be at Wembley when Leigh brought home the Challenge Cup. The transformation the club has undergone in recent times has been immeasurable, and to now have the opportunity to play my part in that journey is something really special.
“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. I’ve always kept a close eye on the Leopards Ladies and already have plans in place, but ultimately, the players will be the driving force behind everything we do.
“Having already been shown around the facilities by the club’s CEO, I can see first-hand what a professional setup Leigh Leopards have, both on and off the field. 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.
“I’m a big believer in harnessing the strengths and qualities that already exist within a squad and creating an environment where everyone can move forward together, both on and off the field. I also understand the demands of balancing rugby, work and family life, and that will be something I champion throughout my time here. When players feel supported and have that balance right, they are in the best position to thrive and perform.
“In the coming weeks, I’ll be working closely with the staff and players to establish our performance goals, define our identity and build the culture we want to represent Leigh Leopards Ladies going forward. We’ll also look to make one or two focused additions to complement the strengths already within the squad and help us take the next step.
“For me, it’s about much more than what happens on the field. Community is a huge part of who I am, and I want our players to embrace that, represent the badge with pride and become positive role models within the town. We already have initiatives such as open training sessions planned, and I’m keen to build on those opportunities to bring the team, supporters and local community closer together.
“This is a club and town moving forward, and I’m proud to be part of its future. I know there is plenty of hard work ahead, but I’m excited by the challenge, confident in what we can build together and determined to help Leigh Leopards Ladies achieve the success the club, the players and its supporters deserve.”
Everyone at Leigh Leopards would like to welcome Chris to the club and looks forward to an exciting new chapter for the Women’s team as preparations begin for the 2027 season.