Key is the Premiership's director of rugby of the year

Director of rugby Andy Key believes Leeds Carnegie need to bring in a minimum of eight new players.

At least 16 will exit Headingley this summer as Leeds restructure their playing squad for next season.

"We are looking at eight to 10 players, but that could change as time goes on," Key told BBC Radio Leeds.

"We need more competition within the squad and we are looking at players to give us that. Hopefully in 10 days we'll have the right players in."

Leeds have already signed winger Michael Stephenson from Bath, while Andy Titterrell, Hendre Fourie and Scott Mathie have all signed new deals at the club.

Key explained: "We could pick up a player that could play a number of positions and that would then mean we could then be a bit smarter and use the extra money to draw on another player, so that number could change.

"The recruitment progress is going very well indeed and are having lots of conversions with many players and agents and we feel very positive.

"Hopefully by the weekend they'll have signed a few more players then over the coming week's we'll be in a position to reveal those to our fans."

Leeds continue to search for extra funding from investors in order to help them become a top six Premiership force.

"Like all these things, that won't happen overnight. But the first chats we've had have gone well," he said.

"Those chats were about opening up the debate, explaining what we are about, what we want to do and where we want to go. More dialogue needs to now take place. We are very positive in all of that.

"The club does need more investors. So if there is anyone out there that believes that they can add huge value to the club then we'd welcome their support and love to have the opportunity to talk to them."

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