St.Helens R.F.C. is delighted to announce that Saints Academy graduate Leon Cowen has signed a new one-year contract extension with the Club for the 2026 season!
Leon Cowen is proudly sponsored at Saints by St Helens UPVC.
The 21-year-old can play most positions in the pack and adds further competition to Paul Rowley’s pack for the upcoming Betfred Super League 2026 season.
A real battler, with a high work-rate and terrific strength, Leon has been with St.Helens since 2022, when he joined our Under-18s ranks during the season, and his first goal was to earn a chance with our Academy for the following year. When the opportunities came, he made them count.
Not only was he kept on as an Academy Saint, but Cowen was also named captain of our young team for 2023. He led our Under-18s to an Academy Championship title with a Grand Final victory and was drafted into our First Team for the first time in 2024.
Earning valuable match minutes with both the Red V Reserves and appearing on loan and dual registration over the past two seasons, Leon has represented himself and the Club superbly whilst on duty with Swinton Lions or Halifax Panthers. He was also named as starting loose forward in the Saints’ 2024 Reserves Grand Final victory.
Cowen made his St.Helens and Super League debut during the summer, coming off the bench late on in our home clash against Leigh Leopards, becoming the 1,299th man to play for the Club.
In the Saints’ final home match of the season against Castleford Tigers, Leon played a much bigger role and impressed, coming up against some big senior forwards.
Speaking about the news, Leon Cowen told saintsrlfc.com: “Last year was a big one for me, and to be able to continue in 2026 with Saints – I’m over the moon. I’m going into next year with more confidence, and I’m really excited to be part of something special.
“I know I came in a little later with the Academy, but straight away I knew this was the place I wanted to be, and it still is. At all levels, you know the expectation is to win because of the high standards we set.”
Paul Rowley is Leon’s new Head Coach, so the young forward is buzzing with anticipation to get working under the new Saints boss and to keep learning from the senior players in the forwards.
“I’m always looking to do my best, but having someone new in is exciting, and I’ll be looking to put my best foot forward.
“The likes of Big Al [Walmsley], Leesy [Matty Lees] and Morgs [Knowles] have been ridiculously good, haven’t they? It’s not what they say, it’s what they show, and the standards they set. I feel like I have learned so much from just watching them in training, and to then get to work with them – they’ve taught me more than they realise.”
With the aim of getting more senior match appearances in the year ahead, Cowen knows it won’t be easy but he will give his all to do it for himself and our loyal fanbase.
“I’m so proud to play for Saints, and proud to play for our fans. We want to do you proud next year and give you all the success you deserve.”
