Back key to new deal, says Hardy

Hardy holds a British passport, so will not count as a quota player

Loose-head prop Gareth Hardy says coach Neil Back was key after he signed a two-year deal with Leeds Carnegie.

The 28-year-old Australia A forward turned down other Premiership clubs to commit to the Headingley outfit, who won promotion last season.

He told BBC Radio Leeds: "The conversations I had with Neil Back were pretty important to me.

"You want to play for your coach and having the trust of his players is a real big thing for me.

He added: "And the fact also that Leeds had come up to the Premeirship was a challenge in itself.

"You walk into a team that has got to build and consolidate itself in that league."

BBC Radio Leeds will have full match commentary of every home and away Leeds Carnegie Guinness Premiership game.