Leeds Carnegie
Thu, 08 May 2008 15:54
Club Details
Headingley Carnegie Stadium
St Michael's Lane
Leeds
LS6 3BR
Stadium Capacity: 22,000
Website: www.leedsrugby.com
Founded: 1992
- 2007/8 Season Preview -
Last time around: Leeds got the crucial job done last season in National One. Losing just four league games all season, Director of Rugby Stuart Lancaster guided his men back into the top flight at the first time of asking, whilst also adopting an attractive brand of rugby.
This time? Leeds Carnegie will be hoping new signings Andy Tuilagi and Joe Bedford can spur on an early season charge, taking advantage of their opponents' World Cup absentees. However, the physical step up to the Guinness Premiership may prove a bridge too far the Yorkshire men and games will get tougher as the season wears on!
Coach: After taking over the reigns at Headingley back in 2006, Stuart Lancaster has developed a brand of attractive and dynamic rugby that spring boarded Leeds back into the Premiership. He has worked wonders following his step up from academy coach and is sure to send his charges into the new season with plenty of confidence.
Captain: Since joining the club from Saracens in 2003, lock Stuart Hooper has rapidly developed into a integral member of the Leeds squad. Although skippering the side towards relegation, Hooper passionately led his squad on their return with regular committed performances.
One to watch: Winger Tom Biggs excited crowds in the Guinness Premiership back in 2005/6. The pocket speedster regularly brought the Headingley crowd to their feet with his pace and step and he will be important to his side's chances. Biggs resisted the temptation to abandon the Leeds ship that year and signed a new contract, also stating his loyalty to the club.
Final 2007/8 league position prediction: 12th
skybet.com prediction (04/09): 150-1 to finish first
In: Joe Bedford (Rotherham), Andy Tuilagi (Leicester), Alberto Di Bernardo (Cornish Pirates), Viliami Ma'asi (Cornish Pirates).
Out: Chris Jones (Retired due to injury).
Colours: White with navy and amber trim
Tickets: £11 - 25
Travel connections: Headingley train station is a five minute walk to the stadium and just two stops from Leeds City Station. By car, coming from the M1 and M62, take the M621 and leave at junction 2 (signposted Headingley Carnegie Stadium), which leads to the ground via the A58 and then Kirsksall Road (A65).
