Leeds' then director of rugby Stuart Lancaster said at the time: "Leigh is a proven points-scorer in this division, both with his boot and as a try scorer.
The full-back has also played for Moseley Rugby Football Club and Birmingham & Solihull RFC in National Division One.
Hinton joined National Division 3 Midlands side Rugby Lions in 2011, as one of many major signings by the club, to help with their ambitions of reaching the Premiership within 5 seasons under new owner Mike Åland.
On 3 March 2012, in the home match against South Leicester, Hinton broke the Lions' record for points in a season.
Rugby won the league with two games remaining on 31 March 2012, with Hinton kicking 3 penalties (and receiving a yellow card) in a 19–14 win over Dudley Kingswinford.