Hetherington is the chief executive of both Leeds Rhinos and Carnegie

Leeds Carnegie chief-executive Gary Hetherington believes the club can become a major force in the Guinness Premiership after avoiding relegation.

Leeds' survival means they will receive equal funding next season, which equates to an extra £1m.

"This is the most significant moment in our history," Hetherington told BBC Radio Leeds.

"For so many reasons it now means Leeds Carnegie can move forward like never before and become a big club."

Hetherington's negotiations with Premier Rugby at the start of the season meant that Leeds would gain equal funding with the other 11 top-flight teams for the first time ever, if they managed to stay up.

And the side's dramatic 12-10 win over Worcester at Headingley ensured the Yorkshire outfit will remain in England's elite competition.

"Relegation this season would have put our whole future as a professional club into serious doubt. Staying up has the total opposite effect," explained Hetherington.

"We've been in the Premiership before, but with a huge ball and chain around our foot, but now we get equal funding for the first time in our history things can change. We can now start next season as an equal competitor.

"It's not just about gaining the extra money. It's about the credibility as we have been up and down the leagues, so now we've proved with a good club that is moving forward quickly.

He added: "If you are looking to build something, like we are, it was so important we didn't go backwards and go down again.

It's sad to see the guys go, but you have to constantly evolve and move on in order to be competitive Gary Hetherington

"We are looking to build something very special for this city and this county and beating Worcester was a very important and special moment in getting closer to that goal."

Leeds have wasted no time to reshape their squad for next season, with 10 players already released. More are expected to leave the club shortly, while the club hope to announce new arrivals in the next week.

"I think 14 players will go in all," explained Hetherington. "It's a big chunk of the current squad but that is professional sport. It's sad to see the guys go, but you have to constantly evolve and move on in order to be competitive.

"All those players can look back at a job well and have played a major part in the success of the team this season."

Hetherington has also praised his young management team of director of rugby Andy Key and head coach Neil Back for beating the odds and keeping Leeds in the top-flight.

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"They came as a pair and their skills complement each other very well. Many people thought at the time that bringing them in was a gamble, but they've proved that wrong," Hetherington said.

"We needed people like them at the time. They didn't have experience of jobs like this, but everyone has to start somewhere. The fact that we were in the Championship gave them time to cut their teeth and get to know the players and our environment.

"They've been hugely influential in moving this club to the next stage and their achievements have been terrific. But we have to remember the hard work of all the coaches at Leeds too, they've all been great."

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