After 10 years as head coach, Paul ‘Gabz’ Gabriel announced his decision to seek a new challenge and subsequently has accepted a position as head coach at Old Rishworthian Rugby Club.

Paul joined Leos in 2015 as player / coach following a very successful career at Leeds, Morley and Harrogate. During his tenure, the club has enjoyed its most successful league standing with promotion to Yorkshire 1 in 2019 and subsequent consolidation at level 7 rugby post Covid.

While at Leos Paul also called time on his playing career, hanging up his boots to concentrate solely coaching. Leos President Nick Burdon comments, “Gabsy has been a hugely positive influence on the club, steering us to promotion and developing a generation of new players over an impressive decade in charge. We thank him and wish him every success for the future.

Gabz’s last “game in charge” will be Saturday 7th December when we hope to send him off in style both on and off the pitch.”

Leos would like to confirm our new coaching line up of Tim Heaton (Head Coach), supported by Tom Tweddle (Assistant Coach) and club Chairman Donald Fowler.

Tim Heaton rejoined his home club at the beginning of this season having enjoyed a fine playing career at Harrogate RUFC over more than a decade. Tim played through the Leos junior ages and into seniors prior to Harrogate RUFC and the Heaton family have a long tradition of membership and playing at the club. Tim added “It’s exciting to be back at Leos in a coaching role. Credit to Gabz for all he has achieved during his tenure. Taking the club from just 5 or 6 people at training in 2015 to having 25+ regularly is a fantastic foundation to build on. I look forward to working with Tweds to add to the development.’’

Tom Tweddle is a former club captain, who, following stepping back from playing is enjoying a new coaching role. The coaching duo will be supported by Club Chair Donald Fowler along with the senior players group.