The new Leek Rugby Academy - which will develop our Colts players as they transition into senior rugby - will be led by three recent graduates of the club's mini and junior section.

Heading things up will be lead coach Oli Powell who has grown into a leadership role within the club following great success on the field for Leek, Man Met Uni, Cheshire and Staffordshire.

He will be supported by the 1st XV fulcrum of top try and points scorer Will Midwinter and electric scrum half Joe Byrne. All three know exactly what it takes to develop and lead at Leek Rugby Club.

Backing the lads up will be the wider coaching group and three club stalwarts in Ian Dicksee, Kenny Laing and Steve Clancy.

On the announcement Oli said: “I am really looking forward to the opportunity that the 2025/26 season will offer for the development of our new Academy players. Everyone involved is keen to get started in building the future of our club, and we hope to make the transition from the Academy to seniors as smooth as possible.”

Pre-season training for colts and seniors begins on 1 July.