[1] He attended Ladybarn, a local secondary modern school, and left in 1961 aged 15, without qualifications.
After a few years he began his first career in printing and followed this through a series apprenticeships leading to a diploma in management and print technology from Manchester College of Art and Design.
[2] Leadbetter played his club rugby for Broughton Park, and made his international début on 18 April 1970 at Colombes in the France vs England match.
[1] Along with Broughton Park team mate Tony Neary, he was also part of a famous North West Counties team which defeated the All Blacks, 16-14, in Workington in 1972.
Leadbetter subsequently switched to rugby league[1] going to Rochdale Hornets.