Key happy at home start for Leeds

Key (left) and Back coached in the Premiership with Leicester

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key says he is delighted to start off at home on their Premiership return

Promoted Leeds host Newcastle Falcons at Headingley, which will mean an immediate return for former Leeds stars Tom Biggs and Rob Vickerman.

"We have three of our first five games at Headingley before the first break for European competition," said Key.

"It's important that the Yorkshire public are able to get behind the team early and make our home games special."

Key added: "We are looking forward to welcoming Rob and Tom back and I am sure they will get a warm reception from the Leeds fans."

After Newcastle on Sunday, 6 September, Leeds travel to Worcester Warriors before hosting last season's Premiership runners up London Irish on Sunday, 20 September.

We want to go from being a good team to a great team and we can only do that by testing ourselves against the best

Head coach Neil Back

They conclude the regular season at Bath on Saturday, 8 April.

Key and head coach Neil Back will have to wait for their return to former club Leicester Tigers until round nine in late November, with the return game at Headingley on Sunday, 14 February.

Back said: "Obviously people will always link Andy and me with Leicester; we both have some fantastic memories from our time with the Tigers.

"They had a great season last year and I am sure they will be among the top teams yet again next year.

"Our challenge is to match that and that acts as great motivation for the coaching staff and the players.

"We want to go from being a good team to a great team and we can only do that by testing ourselves against the best."

Leeds will play nine of their 11 Premiership home games will be held on Sundays with a 3pm kick-off.

Marketing manager Abigail Furniss said: "By having a consistent match day and kick-off time we hope that the Yorkshire public will come out and support the team.

"We know there is a large supporter base in Yorkshire, as witnessed when we attracted our biggest ever average attendance the last time we were in the Premiership."