Exeter loss sees Leeds promoted

Director of rugby Andy Key, left, and head coach Neil Back

Andy Key, left, and Neil Back have guided Leeds up at the first attempt

Leeds Carnegie secured an instant return to the Guinness Premiership on Saturday after second-placed Exeter lost 35-21 at Rotherham.

The West Yorkshire side are 12 points clear with two games left, having lost only two of 28 league matches.

Sunday's home game against Newbury will now become a celebration as Leeds prepare to swap places with Bristol.

"It's fantastic news and full respect to the players' hard work," head coach Neil Back told BBC Radio Leeds.

It is the fourth straight season the team relegated from the Premiership the year before has gone straight back up.

Former Leicester Tigers duo of Back and Leeds director of rugby Andy Key took over in the summer of 2008 following Leeds' relegation from the top flight, where they had claimed just two wins.

Back added: "We have a great management team in place now and we are now looking forward to challenging ourselves and competing in the Premiership.

"The Leeds Carnegie fans have supported the side tremendously over the season.

"Sunday is now about a fun and family day and we are looking forward to putting on a performance and getting a win in front of a passionate and large crowd.

Children under 16 will be allowed into Headingley for free on Sunday to celebrate Leeds' promotion.

The West Yorkshire side will be presented with the trophy by former RFU Council Member and England international John Spencer.

Former captain and the man who first led Leeds into the top flight Mike Shelley will also be at Headingley while he is back in the UK from his new home in Canada.

BBC Radio Leeds has exclusive full match commentary on 774 AM, DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leeds from 1430 BST on Sunday.