Prop Bucknall previously played for Northampton Saints

Leeds prop Peter Bucknall could be be back in action for the Guinness Premiership side by late September.

The 26-year-old has not played since February after undergoing an operation to fix damaged knee ligaments.

"Credit to Peter as he is working incredibly hard to recover as quickly as possible," director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"The signs are that Peter will be back around the end of September, which will be great news for us."

Leeds open their Premiership return at home to Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, 6 September, a date Bucknall will only just miss.

Key added: "He has got the bit between his teeth to work hard behind the scenes to speed up the progress, although obviously with his type of injury you have to be careful with it and not rush it too much.

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Meanwhile it has been confirmed that Leeds' game at Worcester Warriors will take place on Friday, 11 September with a 2000 BST kick-off.

And their trip to Sale Sharks will also be on a Friday night, on 19 February (1945 GMT kick-off).

Just four of Leeds' away league matches will take place on a Saturday - at Leicester, Harlequins, Gloucester and Bath.

Sunday away games will take place at Northampton, Saracens, Wasps, Newcastle and London Irish, although all fixtures are subject to change for TV schedules.

Leeds have already confirmed they will play nine of their 11 Premiership home games on Sundays with a 1500 kick-off, again subject to TV changes.

BBC Radio Leeds will have full match commentary of every home and away Leeds Carnegie Guinness Premiership game.

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