Leigh Leopards are delighted to confirm the appointments of Nigel Johnson and Paul Arnison as joint head coaches of the Leopards Women’s Betfred Super League team.

The highly experienced and talented pairing aim to carry on the successful work of predecessor Kieron Purtill, who left his post a month ago having guided the team to promotion to the topflight after a record-breaking 2024 season in only their second year since formation.

Last year the Leopards women’s team consolidated their hard-won Super League status with a sixth-place finish.

Leopards CEO Neil Jukes conducted the recruitment process alongside team manager Steve Quinn and Keli Morris. Mr Jukes said: “I’m delighted to have two coaches like Nigel and Paul joining our coaching system for the Women’s team for 2026 and beyond.

“We had many applicants, but it was important we waited until we got the right person (or in this case persons) which I believe we have. They come with huge experience and background in pathway, coaching and developing Girls and Women, not just within the community game and the Borough of Leigh, but at International Level and Armed forces.

“Their passion and enthusiasm to enhance the work done previously was evident. I know they both can’t wait to get stuck into the task ahead.”

Nigel Johnson is well known in the town having coached Leigh Miners Women’s team between 2018-23 and has a long and distinguished coaching career including at scholarship and academy in the men’s game and wide experience in the women’s game.

After a long playing career in the community game at Thames Board and in rugby union with Burtonwood and Lymm, he was service area and scholarship coach at Warrington Wolves before becoming foundation Academy U16s coach at Widnes in 2010.

In the women’s game he coached Thatto Heath Ladies, Warrington Ladies, Northwest Ladies and was head coach to England Women A team and assistant coach to the England Women’s senior team. He is also the current UK Armed Forces Ladies head coach.

Nigel Johnson said: “I am looking forward to carrying on the good work Kieron and his staff set in place over the last couple of seasons. It is a great honour and challenge to represent such a historic Rugby League club and town.

“I am looking forward to working and coaching together with Paul and team manager Steve Quinn. Steve and I had great times and memories at Miners and a great working relationship.”

Paul Arnison has spent the past 24 years at the Crosfields community club, coaching the junior age groups. He finished last season with the under-16s who had nine boys signed to professional academies.

His impressive CV includes the following appointments: Assistant Scholarship Coach at Warrington Wolves; England Girls talent pathway head coach; Lancashire Women head coach; Head of Women’s and Girls rugby at Leigh Miners; Head coach of Warrington Wolves Lunas Women’s Side; Coach at UK Armed Forces Women.

Paul Arnison said: “My ambition is to continue building on the brilliant foundations Keiron and the staff have put in place with the team and to add value where I can.

“It’s a great opportunity and an honour to be coaching at the Leopards.”