Andy Titterrell pens new deal at Leeds Carnegie

Titterrell formerly played at Gloucester and Sale

Leeds Carnegie hooker Andy Titterrell has signed a new two-year contract with the Premiership club.

The 29-year-old originally moved to Headingley on a short-term deal in December, but will now remain at the club until 2012.

"I am pleased to be staying especially considering the circumstances under which I came to the club," he said.

"Leeds Carnegie have given me back that excitement and buzz and it is great to get a two year deal."

Titterrell penned a three-month deal in December, but impressed the coaching duo of Andy Key and Neil Back enough to earn an extension until the end of the season.

Having made his debut against Saracens in the LV= Cup in January, he then started all but one game in the remainder of the season.

Titterrell added: "I managed to impress in the cup first of all and then retained my place for the remainder of the season.

"The way I departed Gloucester last summer left me questioning whether I wanted to continue as a professional player.

"I have rediscovered my love of the game but I used my time away to set up a business because you never know when it can all come to an end.

"Leeds Carnegie have been great for me allowing me to accommodate running my business with training and playing. I think having 10 games back to back has helped me also.

"I have always asked coaches for that continuity and in return I will always strive to improve as a player.

"[Head coach] Neil Back has put a good set of forwards together here and that is one of the main reasons I have decided to stay. When you play alongside people who complement me and my style it makes life so much easier.

"Guys like Marco Wentzel and Hendre Fourie are players you want to play with, they have the desire to play for Leeds and the determination to get the job done and that is crucial if you are going to fulfil your own potential.

The former England international and British Lion joined Hendre Fourie, Scott Barrow, Scott mathie, Lee Blackett and Jon Pendlebury in signing new deals at Leeds.

Back explained: "Andy has been a true professional since the moment he stepped through the door at our training ground.

"He is someone who takes a great deal of pride in his own fitness and work ethic and he has fitted in well to our squad.

"I believe we will see even more from Andy in the years ahead after a pre-season with us and now that his team mates have got to know him through his efforts in the second half of last season."