Leeds Carnegie sign Bath winger Michael Stephenson

Stephenson wants more game time after leaving Bath for Headingley

Leeds Carnegie have made their first major signing of the summer, capturing Bath winger Michael Stephenson.

The 29-year-old, who has won three England caps, has signed a two-year deal and arrives at Headingley after making 93 appearances for Bath.

"I think my time had come here (at Bath), I wanted to play a bit more rugby, so went to look at other options," he told BBC Radio Leeds.

"I was impressed with Leeds, they have big plans for the future."

The former Newcastle Falcons player moved to the Recreation Ground in 2005 and feels that Carnegie staying up is crucial for the club to become a force in the game.

"I think they've got the personnel, the management and the finances to make them an established Premiership club." he said.

I have known about Michael's abilities for a number of years, going back to his time at Newcastle and he has always impressed

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key

"Hopefully I'll do that with them next season. I committed to them whether they stayed up or not.

"I was delighted when Leeds got the results to stay up and it didn't go to the last game, otherwise that would have been unbearable for me."

As well as the potential of the club, Stephenson admitted there are also family reasons behind his move to West Yorkshire.

"We've just had a young baby girl and the grandparents are closer being in the north east so that was a factor.

"I was impressed with the management and impressed with their plans for the future, but weighing it up it all seemed to make sense and fall into place."

"My time was up at Bath, which was disappointing and sad to leave but there's such a strong squad, but it's just one of those things.

"I just wasn't getting the games, but hopefully I can put that right at Leeds and play a bit more often."

The move is also one that excites Leeds Carnegie's director of rugby Andy Key.

"I have known about Michael's abilities for a number of years, going back to his time at Newcastle and he has always impressed," he told the club website.

"He has pace and knows how to beat an opponent with his one-on-one skills. He is a northern lad and we know from our recruitment process that crucially he also has the right character to fit into our group."