Back excited by French tournament

Key (left) and Back have been in charge of Leeds for a year

Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back believes the Issoire Tournament in France will prove to be a good benchmark for this players.

Leeds take on French division two outfit Aurilac on Tuesday and then Top 14 side Montauban on Friday.

"We have a nice balance in playing two clubs from different levels," Back told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We are taking 35 players and it is about seeing were they are and we are than the results."

Leeds play three pre-season games in all before their return to the Guinness Premiership, as they travel to Welsh region the Ospreys on Saturday, 22 August.

The West Yorkshire side then open their league campaign at home to Newcastle Falcons on Sunday, 6 September (kick-off 1500 BST).

Back added: "This tournament has come at the right time really.

"The squad is ready to go now and ready to see where they are after the physical preparation they've been put through in training.

"We started our contact work in training last week and I was worried the players might injure each other, but they came through fine.

"I'm looking forward, as the players are, to getting out there and fronting up for the first time."

Meanwhile Leeds have been drawn against London Wasps in the first round of the Middlesex Sevens at Twickenham on Saturday, August 15.

BBC Radio Leeds will have full match commentary of every Leeds Carnegie Guinness Premiership game and Anglo-Welsh Cup matches, plus home European games.