Swinton Lions are well underway with their recruitment and retention for 2027 with the Championship club confirming a new deal for the son of a Super League legend, however, they’ve announced the sad exit of a former Wigan Warriors youngster.
Fin Beardsworth has left Swinton following the end of the 2026 season and the club’s head coach, Anthony Murray, has confirmed that the ex-Wigan man’s playing days may be over despite him only being 22.
Beardsworth signed for Swinton ahead of the 2025 season having left Wigan, for whom he did not play a professional game, but it appears his playing days may be over.
The back-rower played 19 times over two seasons for the Lions with the last of those games coming in round one of the 2026 season, a game in which he suffered a serious injury. Explaining that the door remains open for Beardsworth, club coach Anthony Murray added: “It’s incredibly disappointing to see Fin having to bring his playing career to a likely end following the injury he sustained early in the season.”
Whilst Beardsworth won’t be playing on with the Lions in 2027, one man who will is the son of Super League legend Micky Higham.
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Son of Super League winner signs new Championship deal
The Lions have confirmed that Harry Higham has signed a new deal to remain with the club for 2027 with the outside back having scored 15 tries in 34 during his time with the club.
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That included 10 in 18 this year despite the Lions’ lowly finish of 17th in the Championship table. Set to turn 21 next month, Higham had an outstanding season and was recognised as the coaches’ player of the year.
Speaking on re-signing Higham, head coach Anthony Murray said: “Harry is a player we feel it’s really important that we retain. Keeping our in-form players is a key part of building a strong squad, and Harry has had a terrific season.
“He was deservedly named Coaches’ Player of the Year and also picked up other awards at the end-of-season presentation, which reflects the consistency and quality he has shown throughout the season.
“Harry is still a young player with plenty of potential, and we believe there is even more to come from him. I’m really looking forward to seeing him continue to develop, improve and hopefully have another very good season with us.”
Higham’s dad, Micky, made a total of 350 Super League appearances, winning the competition once, but it was the Challenge Cup where he had most success – lifting it on five occasions. Higham represented Leigh, St Helens, Wigan and Warrington throughout his impressive career that also saw him play eight times at international level.
