Veteran Gomarsall signs for Leeds

Gomarsall has won 35 England caps

Leeds have signed former England international Andy Gomarsall.

The 35-year-old World Cup winner, who was released by Harlequins at the end of last season, has agreed a one-year contract at Headingley.

"I considered retiring, but when Leeds got in touch I jumped at the chance to come here. I was delighted to sign," Gomarsall told BBC Radio Leeds.

"The challenge of helping this team stay up in the Premiership is the kind of challenge I love."

The former Wasps, Bath, Bedford and Gloucester player was a member of the 2003 and 2007 England World Cup squads and was a member of the Quins side that reached the Premiership semi-finals last season.

Gomarsall added: "I am massively passionate about this league, I love it and wanted to remain in it.

"But I wouldn't be here if the infrastructure was not here. I played for Bedford in 2000 when we were relegated but there was no way that club had the infrastructure Leeds has.

"I would have not signed here if I didn't feel Leeds can be competitive this season.

"It's great to have a year here at a club that has such high levels of coaching, players and infrastructure off the field."

We know it was a big decision for Andy but he is thoroughly committed to helping Leeds this season and he will be a key addition to our squad

Andy Key

Gomarsall has been included in the Leeds squad to compete in the Middlesex Sevens this weekend.

Director of rugby Andy Key said: "Andy is a player with a proven track record of success. He has experience of performing at the very highest level and that will make him a key addition to our squad.

"We now have strength in depth in the scrum-half position with Joe Bedford and Scott Mathie already at the club and Dan White coming through the academy system.

"We know it was a big decision for Andy, especially as he has a young family who live down in London but he is thoroughly committed to helping Leeds this season and he will be a key addition to our squad."

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