Leeds capture Australian Davidson

Davidson was the the Sydney University players� player for 2008

Leeds Carnegie have signed Australian back-rower Tim Davidson until the end of the season.

The 26-year-old has played in Super 14 with New South Wales Waratahs and Western Force and represented Australia at Sevens in 2004.

"I hope I can provide a bit of leadership and experience," Davidson told BBC Radio Leeds.

"When you come into a team that is in form like Leeds the pressure is on you to hold your own."

Davidson has captained Sydney University club for the past four years leading them to four consecutive Championships.

The 2005 Sydney Morning Herald club-player-of-the-year can play across the back-row and also in the second row and will serve as cover for Hendre Fourie, who is out for the rest for the season with knee ligament damage.

Head coach Neil Back said: "We are delighted that Tim is joining us for the remainder of the season and hopefully if things go well it could be the start of a longer stay at the club.

"Tim comes highly recommended from Australia and with Hendre Fourie out injured for the rest of the season he will add greatly to our squad.

"We also have Calum Clark and Jacob Rowan who are involved with the England Under-20 squad so Tim's signing gives us strength in a key position for us."

Davidson arrived in the UK on Tuesday and will watch his new team-mates in action on Sunday when they take on Esher at Headingley Carnegie (kick-off 1500 GMT).

BBC Radio Leeds has exclusive full commentary of Leeds Carnegie v Esher on 774 AM and online at bbc.co.uk/leeds from 1450 GMT.