Callard staying at Leeds

Jonathan Callard joined Leeds 12 months ago

Jonathan Callard has rejected speculation that he will become Leinster's new director of rugby and vowed to remain assistant coach to Phil Davies at Leeds Tykes.

The former England and Bath star, who joined Leeds in July 2002, said on the Tykes' website: "I am flattered to be linked with the Leinster job but I feel it is too soon in my career to take on such a role.

"There is still lots for me to learn and develop in my coaching career and the job has not been done here at Leeds yet, hopefully I can be part of seeing that through."

Tykes' chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "Jon is currently out of contract with the club, but we are confident he will be with us for next season.

"Since the end of the season Jon has been involved with the England Under-21 set up and is now on a well earned holiday, but we expect to sit down and discuss a new contract upon his return."

Pre-season training at the the Zurich Premiership gets underway on 21 July, with Leeds due to kick-off the new season against Bath at Headingley on 14 September.