Leeds consider full-back options

Goodridge and Thomas previously played for Gloucester and the Scarlets

Leeds director of rugby Andy Key insists his side have enough cover to cope with the injury to Leigh Hinton.

The 30-year-old full-back will miss the start of the Premiership season in September after suffering a shoulder injury during pre-season in France.

"We do have enough cover in that area," Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"Ceiron Thomas [fly-half] can also play full-back, while Jon Goodridge is in excellent form, so we can cope, but it is very sad for Leigh."

Last season's top try scorer Hinton damaged his AC joint during Leeds' pre-season victory over French side Aurillac and he faces at least two-months on the sidelines.

Leeds start their Premiership campaign at home to Newcastle on Sunday, 6 September, which will be far too soon for Hinton.

Key added: "Losing Leigh is a big blow as we only have him and Jon Goodridge as our two out-and-out full-backs.

"Their competition against each other has been great to see and very healthy.

"So it's very bad to lose Leigh now, especially as he was so keen, we wish him a speedy recovery.

"But what we've done with our new signings this summer is to bring in players that can play numerous positions.

"Ceiron is an example of that, because he's played a lot of his rugby at full-back, so that gives us extra options and I know he'd do a great job in that position.

"Jon finished last season in great form and has had a great pre-season on the back of having a small option on his thumb.

"He's come-back in good shape and preformed very well in France.

"So it's a case of one person's loss is another person's gain."

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