Andy Thornley Leigh

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New Website Coming Soon !

3 weeks ago

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SWINTON ANNOUNCE BIG AMBITIONS FOR LIONESSES!

1 month ago

Swinton Lionesses RLFC Announce New Management and Coaching Setup as Trials Approach Swinton Lionesses RLFC are thrilled to reveal a new and ambitious management and coaching structure, setting the stage for an exciting future as the club focuses on promotion and continued development within women’s rugby league. New Head Coach and Support Team Leading the Lionesses into this exciting new era is Head Coach Paul Humphries, who brings a wealth of experience to the role. With a background that spans years of involvement at both amateur and professional levels, Paul has gained recognition for his innovative coaching methods, tactical skills, and his emphasis on fostering a strong team culture. Known for building up players’ skill levels and mental toughness, Paul’s influence on teams has consistently translated into on-field success and player growth. Paul expressed his excitement about the new role: “I’m honored to leading this talented group of players. I’m excited to build on the strong foundation already in place and am fully committed to helping the team achieve its potential. This season is about ambition, hard work, and the pursuit of excellence, and I look forward to seeing what we can achieve together.” Supporting Paul is Team Manager Gary Meacham, whose strong management skills will ensure smooth operations for the squad. Acknowledging the Contributions of Steve Thirkwell The club would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Steve Thirkwell, the previous head coach, who is stepping down due to work commitments. Steve’s dedication and passion for the team have been instrumental in shaping the Lionesses, and his hard work has laid a strong foundation for future success. The club and players are incredibly grateful for his commitment and wish him all the best. Steve will stay involved as coaching consultant Expanded Leadership for Women’s and Girls’ Rugby In a strategic move to enhance the club’s impact on women’s rugby, Mark Robinson, Foundation Manager, has taken on the role of Head of Girls and Women’s Rugby at Swinton. Mark’s extensive experience with the Foundation and commitment to rugby development make him the ideal leader to drive growth in the women’s game at all levels. Club Leadership and Vision Overseeing this exciting setup is Jason Harborow, Swinton Lions Club Board Member and Chair of the Swinton Lions Foundation. With Jason’s vision and leadership, the Lionesses are setting their sights firmly on promotion. This redefined focus, paired with Jason’s commitment to strategic growth, will ensure the Lionesses have the support they need to succeed on and off the field. Jason shared his thoughts on the new setup: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Swinton Lionesses. We are committed to building something truly special, with a clear focus on promotion and developing talent across all levels of women’s rugby. With Paul and the new management team, we have the right people in place to support this vision, and I’m looking forward to seeing the team thrive.” Our first trial date is Wednesday 6th November, arrive 18:30-19:00, at Salford City Roosters M30 7LS With recruitment well underway and more exciting announcements coming soon, the Lionesses are looking to expand their squad. Open trials will be held commencing 6th November, welcoming all players who share the team’s passion, drive, and ambition to be part of something special at Swinton Lionesses. Stay tuned for more updates as we move forward with this exciting chapter in women’s rugby at Swinton RLFC. Together, we’re building a bright future for the Lionesses focused, ambitious, and ready for promotion.

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NEW HEAD COACH – PAUL WOOD PROUD TO LEAD LIONS!

1 month ago

Lions appoint former Warrington and England star Paul Wood as Head Coach At Swinton Lions we are thrilled to confirm that our new Head Coach is the former England international and Warrington forward, Paul Wood. As a top-class player Paul made well over 300 appearances for Warrington Wolves between 1999 and 2014, with whom he twice won the Challenge Cup. He also featured in two Super League Grand Finals at Old Trafford, and helped win the League Leaders Shield in 2011. On the international front, he was twice capped by England in 2005, and was a Great Britain Tourist. In 2015 he joined Featherstone Rovers, before briefly appearing for Swinton Lions towards the back end of the 2018 season. Paul had in fact already made his Swinton debut on DR from Warrington back in 2013, earning the Heritage Number #1145. Upon his appointment Paul said, “I’m really honoured to be announced as the new Swinton Lions Head Coach. It’s a privilege to be put in this position. “Given the history and the proud heritage of Swinton Lions, I feel really fortunate that I’ve been given an opportunity to apply some of my own philosophies on and off the field for this great club. I’m sure that with some hard work and dedication, and some sacrifice, that we can create a clear vision and take the club forward.” Lions’ CEO, Steve Wild, added, “Paul brings a wealth of high-level rugby league experience to Swinton, and has all the makings of a top-class coach. He has played with, and for, the best in the sport, but it was his deep thinking and off-field philosophy, as much as his glittering playing career, which was exemplified by his bravery and determination, which greatly impressed us. “As soon as myself and fellow directors Jason and Barry began conversations with Paul we were so impressed by his enthusiasm, experience and integrity. We are, of course, aware that he has yet to create his mark as a Head Coach, but there is absolutely no doubt in our minds that Paul has all the credentials and qualities to do so. He is respected throughout the sport, as a result of which he is very well connected. “Paul didn’t need to be convinced to buy into our “one club-one vision” philosophy, because in that sense he was already one step ahead of us. He’s an astute student of the game, but also his work with RL Cares has helped shape a modern approach to man-management, and getting the absolute best from those around him. Our club can only be as good as all of its people and all of its constituent parts, and Paul is the right man to lead on this by example. “Yes, we’ve suffered an on-field setback as a club, but this has given us the time to re-evaluate and reflect, and to re-set our vision. Paul’s personality and personal ambitions are a perfect fit. With everyone connected with Swinton Lions giving him their full support, we are sure that Paul will be create a legacy and be a great success.”