Head coach Neil Back
Captain Marco Wentzel
Arrivals Andy Gomarsall (Harlequins), Henry Fa’afili (Biarritz), Juan G?mez (Leinster), Gareth Hardy (Western Force), Alex Moreno (Calvisano), Ceiron Thomas (Scarlets), Alfie To’oala (Bristol), Marco Wentzel (Leicester)
Departures Alberto DiBernardo, Jon Dunbar, Tom Biggs, Rob Vickerman
Last season National Division One: champions. The former Leicester duo of Back and Andy Key, the director of rugby, stamped their mark in their first season at Leeds. They ended up achieving promotion with some comfort after relegation in 2008, losing only twice in the league all season.
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Prospects As so often, the promoted side begin the season fancied for relegation. An eleventh-place finish will be seen as success for Back in his first season as head coach in the Premiership. Much will be expected from the key new signings such as Ceiron Thomas, the fly half, and Gareth Hardy, the loose-head prop. Their first two matches, at home to Newcastle Falcons and away to Worcester Warriors, will set the tone.
Two to watch Andy Gomarsall: Leeds need all the Premiership experience they can muster and the scrum half, now at his sixth top-flight club, brings more than most. Gareth Hardy: Establishing a solid forward platform is the priority for Leeds and the former Australia A loose-head, who has a British passport, could prove a shrewd signing.
Likely finish Relegation candidates