Key (l) left Leicester Tigers to join Leeds in June 2008

Leeds Carnegie's Andy Key has paid tribute to his coaching team after receiving one of rugby's most prestigious awards.

Key was named the Premiership's director of rugby of the season at an awards ceremony in London on Tuesday.

"I think this is a reflection on the club as a whole and all the hard work by everyone," key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We have a great coaching staff and bunch of players here and it's their hard work that's won this."

He continued: "We've gone about our business quietly and have built a team on and off the field that is now more than capable of looking after themselves in the Premiership.

"We have a great coaching team here and people in the team like Steve Nance [performance director] and Simon Middleton [defence and skills coach] have been great too.

"Steve has been outstanding for us and helped massively put a team together on the condition side that has had a big difference. He's brought a legacy to that area at this club," the Carnegie boss added.

When Neil and I came here we knew we faced big challenges but we wanted to take them on, as this club has so much potential to be a huge club Andy Key

"Simon hasn't got the recognition he deserves over the years. He is an outstanding coach, very dedicated and works very hard to make sure all the players have what they need to have."

Key, along with head coach Neil Back, guided Leeds to a tenth place finish in the Premiership in what was the pair's first-ever season as a management team in the top-flight.

"When Backy and I came here we knew we faced big challenges but we wanted to take them on as this club has so much potential to be a huge club.

"The most important thing has been that staff and players have got behind what we've asked them to do. They've demonstrated that if you have clear direction and goals you can achieve anything."

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