Back row Rhys Oakley, 27, has agreed a new one year contract with Leeds Carnegie and is looking forward to challenge of trying to get the club back in the Guinness Premiership.
Oakley joined Leeds two years ago when the club was rebuilding following their last relegation however he says that the club is unrecognisable now from then and he is excited about the challenges for next season.
He commented, "When I first arrived here, there had been a lot of changes. When we played our first game in National Division One last time against London Welsh it was a completely new team and no one really knew each other, that certainly won't be the case next season. The majority of the guys have been there and done it, so there should not be any surprises for us but we also know how big the challenge is.
"I think by keeping the squad together will make a massive difference to our approach to next season. On a personal level, it is great to have agreed the new deal, my family are really settled up in Leeds and that is important to me. On a professional front, the club have signalled their intent for next season by signing Henry Paul and he is the type of quality player we want to see at the club, his signing will be good for us," added the former Welsh international.
Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster added, "Rhys was a very important player for us when we were last in National Division One and I am expecting a season in the Guinness Premiership to have improved him even more. The back row is a real area of strength for our squad and that will be important for us in a very competitive National One next season."