Leeds agree link-up with Titans

Leeds Carnegie have agreed a new partnership with Rotherham Titans that will see academy players loaned out to the Championship club next season.

The link-up will also see Titans' youngsters training at Headingley.

The deal was created by Leeds academy manager Diccon Edwards and Rotherham's director of rugby Craig West.

Edwards said: "Our vision has been to keep local players in Yorkshire and give them the chance to play at the highest level with a Yorkshire club."

Initially Leeds youngsters James Craig, Luther Burrell and Phil Swainston will join the Titans in the Championship next season.

Rotherham player Ryan Burrows move in the opposite direction to train with Leeds during this season but will remain a Titans player.

Edwards added: "Luther, James and Phil have been identified as players with Premiership potential but they need to gain experience of playing first-team rugby.

"Initially Rotherham will get three young, exciting players and they will gain the experience of playing in the Championship.

"We will also support Rotherham off the field as well with their coaching and conditioning setup.

There is a wealth of young talent at Leeds and in Yorkshire and I'm hoping that these three boys will develop, make a valuable contribution to our team and enjoy themselves at Rotherham

Rotherham director of rugby Craig West

They can learn from the experience of people like our performance director Steve Nance and they will help support their own programme.

"The aspiration for the agreement is for both clubs to benefit."

Leeds are currently in discussions with a number of other Championship and National Division clubs to arrange similar loan deals that will help their young players develop to their full potential.

Rotherham director of rugby Craig West explained: "I hope this is the start of a long and lasting relationship where, not only both clubs benefit, but more so the boys themselves will.

"There is a wealth of young talent at Leeds and in Yorkshire and I'm hoping that these three boys will develop, make a valuable contribution to our team and enjoy themselves this forthcoming season in the Championship at Rotherham.

"Ryan has loads of potential and, like most players, has a dream of playing at the highest level.

"He has accepted the challenge of training at Leeds in and around his commitment at Rotherham."