Hardy holds a British passport, so will not count as a quota player

Leeds Carnegie director of rugby Andy Key believes Gareth Hardy could turn out to be one of the finds of the Premiership season.

Leeds signed the 28-year-old Australian prop from Super 14 side Western Force.

"We have done extremely well to get Gareth and I think we have a steal there," Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"He didn't appear to be on the radar from a European view, we got a heads up from our Australian contacts and as a result we got him."

Leeds are believed to have beaten off a number of other Premiership clubs for the Australia A forward, who arrived at Headingley this week.

Key added: "Backy [head coach Neil Back] watched him very closely in a number of games and was very impressed.

"As a result we have managed to sign a very talented, physical and obviously competent player.

"We are looking forward to seeing him in pre-season."

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

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