Departing Leeds Carnegie captain Stuart Hooper has paid tribute to the club's supporters and says his love for the club will continue despite his move to pastures new.
Hooper will return to his native South West in the summer to start a new career with Bath but he bid an emotional farewell to Headingley Carnegie on Saturday afternoon.
Leeds Carnegie lost out 45-28 to Wasps in an entertaining clash in front of over 7,000 supporters ensuring the highest ever average attendance in a season for the club.
Speaking after the game Hooper said, "It was a pretty sad day for me, I really wanted to end with a win but it wasn't to be. The fans were brilliant for me and the team, as they always have been, and it hit home to me how hard it is going to be to leave this place.
"I have had some fantastic times here and they will remain with me. The team is in great shape going forward and the young players that are coming through are definitely the future for the club. The support that Leeds Met are able to give the club now means that the club is much stronger than the last time we were relegated and I am sure that Premiership rugby will be back at Headingley Carnegie in the near future.
"When I drive to the ground on a matchday I can see Headingley Carnegie on the skyline and it really is a home ground for me. As I was driving in this morning, it was tough to think that it would be the last time I would be doing that drive.
"I will keep an eye on the results and I will certainly be staying in touch with the boys next season. I hope to be back at Headingley Carnegie in 18 months time, although it will be a bit strange turning left rather than right to go in the away dressing room," added Hooper.