Black praises Carnegie academy

Scrum-half Alex Black believes the Leeds Carnegie academy is one of the strongest in the country.

The Scotland Under-19 international has been promoted to the Leeds first-team squad after helping their under-19's win the Yorkshire Cup.

"Leeds' academy is probably one of the strongest in the country and we had some great results last season," Black told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I think in a couple of years there'll definitely be some stars coming out."

Black played locally for Harrogate and Ripon, and graduated from the rugby apprenticeship scheme at Prince Henry's Grammar School.

He added: "We had a lot of very young players last season. I think the oldest player in the Yorkshire Cup team was 19, most were around 17.

"For them to be playing at that level already is massive for them, so I think we will see some very good lads come through soon."

At the moment I want to just play at the highest level I can Leeds scrum-half Alex Black

This week, Black returned to his former school in Otley, along with the rest of his team-mates as part of their continuing training tour around Yorkshire.

Leeds have spent time training and coaching the pupils at various schools including Leeds Grammar, Queen Elizabeth Grammar in Wakefield and St. Peters in York within the last month.

Current England scrum-half and ex-Leeds player Danny Care also attended Prince Henry Grammar and Black is keen to follow in his footsteps.

"He is someone to follow. He played at a very young age at Leeds then moved to Harlequins and now for England," Black added.

"So that is something to aspire to and it's good to know that people can create those types of path.

"At the moment I want to just play at the highest level I can.

"I don't want to drop off or develop too early and then drop off like some people do. I want a long successful career.

"At the moment it looks like I will go out on loan to Rotherham and gain experience of Championship rugby.

"Going to Rotherham is not confirmed just yet but it would be good to go out and get a chance at that level and play first-team rugby."

BBC Radio Leeds will have full match commentary of every single Leeds Carnegie Guinness Premiership game.