Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm the signing of Jack Darbyshire from Warrington Wolves on a one-year contract.
The son of the late Paul Darbyshire, who played for Warrington between 1989 and 1997 and who later joined the club’s coaching staff, Jack is a highly rated centre who played for Woolston Rovers before graduating through the Wolves scholarship and academy ranks.
Leopards Head of Rugby Chris Chester said: “Jack is a good quality English born centre who will bring young and healthy competition to our squad. We identified that lack of depth in our squad was a major factor in the team falling away at the end of this season. Jack’s signing helps rectify that. We will also be running a reserves side next year and so our signings have one eye on that.
“He will get plenty of opportunities to develop his career at Leigh Leopards. Adrian Lam likes to give young players their opportunity.
“You look at Lammy’s time at Wigan and the young players who came through their system that he helped develop who are now regular members of the first team squad.
“Jack is an intelligent kid with a good Rugby League pedigree, and we are all looking forward to him joining for preseason.”
Jack Darbyshire, who will celebrate his 20th birthday next month, has successfully combined his rugby and academic education and is currently studying for a degree in Psychology at the Open University. He said: “I’m over the moon to sign for Leigh Leopards and extremely grateful for this opportunity. I can’t wait to get started.
“I really enjoyed my time at Warrington and learned a lot from some good coaches. Gary Chambers, who’s now director of rugby, was one constant during his time as head of youth and he had a big influence on my development.
“Some of my time in the scholarship and academy ranks was ruined by the pandemic but that was out of my hands. It’s not worked out for me this year at Warrington so I’m looking forward to a new challenge.
“I came with the Warrington squad for the Super League match at the Leopards Den and it was by far the best away ground I’ve visited for the atmosphere, the music and the fireworks. It felt like a show. I can’t wait to step out to play there in a Leopards shirt.
“The team has been going well and I’ve heard so many good things about the quality coaching staff. I know quite a few players from Warrington like Robbie Mulhern, Josh Charnley, Matt Davis, Jack Hughes and Jacob Gannon and I will settle in quickly.”
Jack Darbyshire is available for sponsorship. Please contact Jane for more details: (commercial@leighrl.co.uk).
