Rebels Welcome Ipswich Talent Cerys Leach to 2025/26 Roster

The Essex Rebels are pleased to announce the signing of promising young guard Cerys Leach for the 2025/26 season.

Leach previously played for Endeavour Ipswich Basketball from 2019–2025, competing for both their WNBL Division 1 side and the Copleston Academy in the WEABL. The 18-year-old was part of the successful Ipswich team that lifted the Women’s NBL National Cup in 2024, before going on to defend their title in 2025.

In addition, Leach enjoyed a strong EABL campaign with Copleston, earning a place on the WEABL South All-Conference Second Team in 2024 and securing the WEABL National Title in 2025.

Her talent has also been recognised nationally: she was one of 24 British players invited to the 2025 Hoopsfix All-Star Classic, underlining her status as one of the top U20 prospects in British Basketball.

On the international stage, Leach has already represented her country on multiple occasions. After featuring for England at the 2023 Horizon Stars trip to Paris, she went on to win silver at the Four Nations tournament in 2024. Later that year, she represented Great Britain at the U18 European Championships in Romania.

Speaking on her move to the Rebels, Cerys Leach shared:

“I am really excited to be joining the Rebels for a new chapter of basketball and a new chapter in life at the University of Essex. I’m looking forward to getting to know some new teammates and excited to see what this season brings at a higher level of basketball.” 

Coach Ashley Cookson said: 

 “We’re delighted to welcome Cerys Leach to the Essex Rebels. Having developed at Copleston and Ipswich, she’s a great example of the strong collaboration between clubs that continues to strengthen the pathway for players in our region. Cerys is a talented young player with huge potential, and we’re excited to see her continue her journey with us.”

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By Nicholas Melton