Leader signed to the Connacht academy ahead of the 2012–13 season.. While still a member of the province's academy, he made his debut for the senior side in the 2012–13 Pro12 against the previous season's champions Ospreys on 27 October 2012. Before becoming a regular for the senior side, Leader mostly played for the second tier development side, the Connacht Eagles. This included a game in the semi-professional British and Irish Cup away against Rotherham Titans in 2013, where he kicked a last minute penalty from 60 metres to win the game 27-25.