RFL opens independent inquiry into Wigan Warriors and Leigh Leopards

Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors will face an independent investigation into their conduct over the last 12 months, the Rugby Football League said on 22 September 2026 after disputes related to last October's Super League play-off between the neighbouring clubs. The RFL added the probe will examine the actions of both clubs and aspects involving the governing body.

Wigan Warriors finished top of the Super League regular season table, while Leigh Leopards finished fifth. The play-off between the two clubs last October was overshadowed when Leopards owner Derek Beaumont said his side might boycott the fixture over a disagreement about their ticket allocation of 4,800. The game went ahead as scheduled and Wigan won 18-6; the Leopards submitted a complaint to the RFL the following week.

Trinity beat Leigh in their eliminator match, a result that prevented Leigh from progressing to face Wigan in the next round. Had Leigh won that eliminator they would have advanced to play Wigan instead. The outcome left Wigan to prepare for a different semi-final opponent.

The clubs have previously addressed ticket allocations: the Warriors released a statement last week saying whoever they played would receive an allocation of 5,000 tickets. That announcement came amid ongoing public scrutiny of the clubs' encounters and the ticket dispute linked to last October's fixture. The allocation statement was issued before the RFL revealed the independent inquiry.

The RFL and RL Commercial boards set out the probe in a letter to both clubs, stating: "The independent Rugby Football League and RL Commercial boards have issued a letter to both Leigh Leopards RLFC and Wigan Warriors RLFC advising them there will be an independent investigation into the conduct and actions of both clubs and the governing body in relation to matters extending over the last 12 months. "The RFL and RL Commercial will not make any further comment until the investigation is complete." BBC Sport has contacted both Leigh Leopards and Wigan Warriors for comment.

Wigan will host Wakefield in the play-off semi-final on Saturday.