McColl contract extension boosts Leeds Carnegie (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Stevie McColl contract extension boosts Leeds Carnegie

8:40pm Saturday 9th March 2013 in Sport By Bill Marshall, T&A Sports Reporter

Leeds Carnegie head coach Diccon Edwards has made four changes to his side to face London Scottish tomorrow at Hull Ionians (3pm).

Winger Matt Clark has been ruled out through injury so Josh Griffin returns at outside centre with Oli Goss reverting to the wing.

With Rory Clegg recalled by Harlequins to play in the LV= Cup this weekend, Joe Ford returns at fly half.

The other two changes for The Championship clash come in the forwards, with Scott Freer starting a league game for the first time since a defeat a Plymouth last season on January 29.

The other change sees Chris Walker come in for Ryan Burrows, who is among the replacements.

Scrum half James Doherty has been ruled out after a late fitness test, so Ollie Frost, who is on loan from Worcester, has been named on the bench.

Leeds Carnegie full back Stevie McColl has agreed a new one-year contract extension, despite the 2-year-old attracying attention from a number of Premiership clubs.

McColl had been given permission to speak to other clubs with his contract expiring at the end of the season but he has decided to sign a new deal with the Yorkshire club.

Edwards said: “We are delighted that Stevie has signed a new contract. We made no secret of the fact that we wanted to keep him here but we fully understand his need to explore the market with him about to start a new family with his wife, who is due to have twins anyday.

"However, Stevie is excited about what we are doing here and I think that speaks volumes about the commitment within this group as he joins a number of players to have signed new contracts.”

The former Doncaster player, who is in his second season at Leeds Carnegie, said: "I am really excited about the next 18 months with Leeds Carnegie.

"We have got some work to do this season, and hopefully we can push for the play-offs now with five games to go. There is a great spirit here and I am really enjoying my rugby.

"I have been chatting with Ian McGeechan and Diccon Edwards and I know there is still lots I can improve in my game and I am looking forward to doing that here for the future.”

Leeds Carnegie: Stevie McColl; Oli Goss, Josh Griffin, Fred Burdon, David Doherty; Joe Ford, Craig Hampson; Ben Harris, Scott Freer, Damien Tussac, Calum Green, Matt Smith, Rob Baldwin, jacob Rown (captain), Chris Walker. Replacements: Joe Graham, Lee Imiolek, James Currie, Pierce Phillips, Ryan Burrows, Ollie Frost, Christian Georgiou.