Fylde is delighted to announce the signing of 24 years old centre/wing Leo Gilliland, most recently a part of Stourbridge’s 1st XV squad. This news is especially interesting following his impressive hat trick of tries in the pre-season game v Lymm at the Woodlands on Saturday, 16th Aug
Leo grew up in the Midlands and after secondary school studied a Level 3 extended Diploma in Sport at Brooksby Melton College. Leo then signed a professional contract with Leicester Tigers and was part of the Under-18 Academies League title-winning team with Leicester Tigers in 2018/19.
Leo gained representative honours for Wales U’19s, qualifying through a Welsh grandparent. He also played for Hinckley RUFC in 2019/20 before moving on West Bridgford RUFC in 2022/23. He joined Stourbridge in 2023/24 and in two seasons until the end of the 2024-25 league campaigns made 36 1st XV appearances.
Leo told us about his early impressions since joining the Club: ““I’m really excited to be joining Fylde this season. I’ve enjoyed pre-season and getting to know the lads. There’s a really good atmosphere and buzz around the team so I can already tell it’s going to be a strong year for us.
“The coaches are very clear and deliberate in how they want us to play, which gives us a real sense of purpose as a team. I can’t wait to see what’s ahead and I’m looking forward to being part of such a great group of players.”
He impressed onlookers and team mates with impressive line breaks and steadfast defence. In the photo below from his time at Leicester Tigers he’s hanging on to the now famous Louis Rees-Zammit, then at Gloucester Rugby.
Some of yesterday’s photos are more up to date!
