Leeds Carnegie bring in two more players to Headingley

Leeds Carnegie have made a double signing ahead of the new season - both in the front row.

Spanish international prop Jesus Moreno Rodriguez and Italian Miguel Alonso have both signed one-year contracts.

Head coach Neil Back said: "Jesus has all the physical attributes to make it in the Premiership.

"Miguel played against Leicester last season in the Heineken Cup [for Viadana] and could have played in the Magners League this season in Italy."

Rodriguez, 24, has been capped four times for Spain, and also has experience of playing in France.

Back said: "He is someone we are excited about bringing into our system and developing his natural ability with our specialist coaching, both in terms of his position at tight head prop and his fitness.

The front row has become a vital area in the game in recent seasons

Neil Back

"Miguel was recommended to us by Sean Hohnecks, who will join us for next season and who has been playing with Miguel for the past three seasons in Italy for Viadana.

"He is excited by the challenge of playing in the Premiership.

"The front row has become a vital area in the game in recent seasons, as we have seen on the international scene this summer.

"We already have excellent options with Mike MacDonald, Juan Gomez, Gareth Hardy and Phil Swainston and this double signing really gives us strength in depth."

The signings follow the arrival of 19-year-old fly-half Christian Lewis-Pratt from Premiership rivals Northampton Saints on a two-year contract.

He has been a regular for Northampton in the A-League and will go out on loan next season.