Leake captained the College rugby football team in 1883–1884 and was also captain of the 1884 cricket team. Whilst at Selwyn College he represented Cambridge University, winning three sporting 'Blues' in 1885, 1886 and 1887, all awarded for playing in the Varsity Match. Cambridge won all three matches during this period, and although Leake did not score in any of the games he played well, setting up a late try in the 1887 game.

After Cambridge Leake continued to play rugby and joined Harlequins as a half-back. In 1890 while representing Harlequins, Leake was approached by William Percy Carpmael to join his newly formed invitational touring team, the Barbarians. Leake accepted and became a founding member of the club.

Leake had three caps for England, he gained his first international cap during the 1891 Home Nations Championship, an away game to Wales at Rodney Parade. Leake had an excellent debut, setting up Christopherson's first try after eluding his Welsh counterpart Hugh Ingledew. England won 7–3, and Leake was rewarded for his confident start with reselection for the next two games of the tournament. Leake, partnered at half back with John Berry, was part of a winning England team in the second game, against Ireland, but England lost to Scotland in the Championship decider. The next season, the English selectors chose the Bradford pairing of Emmott and Briggs at half back, and Leake never represented his county again.

Always keen to support his rugby teams Leake would be there on the touchline during home matches, played on the Grange Lane fields. On Saturday October 24th 1925 the 1st and 2nd XVs left school in a charabanc and set off to play St John's, Leatherhead. The games had started when the boys were surprised and delighted to notice their Headmaster on the tounchline. As soon as school had finished he had grabbed his bicycle and ridden the 21 miles to watch them play.

When summoned to the Headmaster's study for Latin coaching they would sit by the fire, and while Leake sat enjoying a cup of tea brought to him by his maid, they sat staring up in awe at the caps proudly displayed on his wall.