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Page last updated at 14:24 GMT, Monday, 13 April 2009 15:24 UK

Oakley praises Carnegie coaches

Director of rugby Andy Key, left, and head coach Neil Back
Key, left, and Back are former Leicester Tigers players

Leeds Carnegie forward Rhys Oakley has paid tribute to the management team of Andy Key and Neil Back following the club's promotion to the Premiership.

The duo moved from Leicester in the summer of 2008 and have guided Leeds to the National League One title in their first season in management.

"They have brought a massive amount of professionalism to the club," number eight Oakley told BBC Radio Leeds.

"It's great to be able to look up at them and take inspiration."

Oakley added: "We have a massive amount of respect for Neil and Andy, everyone knows what they've achieved in the game.

"They have high expectations of us and we want to meet those."

Leeds were presented with the National League One Trophy at Headingley on Sunday after their 57-14 win over already-relegated Newbury.

And 28-year-old former Gwent Dragons forward Oakley, who along with Jon Pendlebury made the most appearances for Leeds during their promotion charge, with 26, is eager to ensure Leeds' stay in the top flight is not a fleeting one.

"I'm very proud of the achievements we've had as a squad and also myself for playing so many games this season," he said.

"I'm really proud and happy to be involved with this squad.

"I've now won this competition twice and as much as I love it I don't want to do it again.

"I want to spend the rest of my career in the Premiership, at the very top where this club belongs."

With the league in the bag the West Yorkshire side are now preparing for Saturday's National Trophy Final against Moseley at Twickenham.

BBC Radio Leeds will have exclusive full match commentary of Leeds Carnegie v Moseley in the National Trophy Final on Saturday. All the build up live from Twickenham starts at 1100 BST on 774 AM, DAB and online at bbc.co.uk/leeds.



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see also
Exeter loss sees Leeds promoted
11 Apr 09 |  English
Leeds seek support for title tilt
10 Apr 09 |  Rugby Union
Promotion is just the start - Key
10 Apr 09 |  Rugby Union


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