Rugby league’s top boss has been in town to check out the impressive new stadium currently being built at Leigh Sports Village.

Richard Lewis, executive chairman of the Rugby Football League, visited the £16M stadium at the invitation of Wigan Council Leader Peter Smith.

The stadium is halfway through its 15 month construction period, and the former Davis Cup tennis player was impressed with what he saw.

Cllr Smith said: “I wrote to Mr Lewis because we want to ensure that the new stadium is in the minds, hearts and plans of the game’s administrators nationally.

“The stadium is going to be a splendid new addition to the facilities available to the people of Leigh but it’s also a chance for the Rugby Football League to work with us to promote the game at all levels.

“I was delighted Mr Lewis could come, and despite a very wet day he was clearly pleased with what he saw. He said it was a good facility and already under discussion as a suitable neutral venue for hosting smaller cup matches and play-offs.

“I will now be inviting him to come back when the stadium is nearer completion with his senior colleagues from the world of rugby league.”

The 10,000 seat stadium has been designed by Derek Walker Associates and is being built by Hall Construction. Building started in January this year and it is expected to be complete by April 2008.

As well as providing a home for Leigh Centurions and Leigh RMI the stadium is capable of hosting music concerts and other major spectator events.