Paul agrees new deal with Leeds

Paul scored seven tries for Leeds in National One last season

Leeds number eight Danny Paul has signed a new two-year contract.

The 22-year-old made his debut in 2004 and was a key part of the team that were crowned National League One champions last season.

"There is no other club I would want to play for and now I just want to concentrate on helping Leeds stay in the Premiership," said Paul.

The new deal will keep Kippax-born Paul at Headingley until the end of the 2010/11 season.

The forward has scored seven tries in just 10 National League One starts and his contract was due to expire at the end of next season.

Paul added: "There is a nucleus of Yorkshire lads in the first team squad and the club's vision is to grow that number in the coming years.

"It is special to be part of that and it is a good feeling to know that the club wants you to succeed at the highest level.

"I managed to establish myself in the first-team squad last season and hopefully I can build on that next year.

I am delighted that Danny has agreed a new contract and look forward to watching him continue to work hard and develop over the next two seasons and beyond

Director of rugby Andy Key

"I have had a minor clear-up operation on my shoulder but I will be back for the pre-season games hopefully and I am looking forward to testing myself against the big boys.

"To be playing against sides like Harlequins with Nick Easter opposite me is a massive challenge but one that I am really looking forward to."

Paul follows fellow academy product Kearnan Myall to agree a new deal with the West Yorkshire club this summer, along with the likes of Mike MacDonald, Jon Goodridge, Rob Rawlinson and Lee Blackett.

Director of rugby Andy Key explained: "Players like Kearnan and Danny are very important for the growth and sustainability of Leeds Carnegie in the long term.

"Both are exciting, young players from Yorkshire who have a real pride in representing the club, its values and its supporters whenever they take the field.

"We look for those qualities in all our players, whether they are home-grown or come from further afield and I am delighted that Danny has agreed a new contract and look forward to watching him continue to work hard and develop over the next two seasons and beyond.

"Likewise we are very proud of Calum Clark who will captain the England Under-20s side in the IRB Junior World Championship Final on Sunday against New Zealand.

"The development of young players here at Leeds is very much at the forefront of our plans for the future and we are delighted to give players the opportunity to play first-team rugby at the highest level."