Fourie pens new Leeds deal

Leeds Carnegie back-row forward Hendre Fourie has signed a new two-year contract and thanked the club for giving him a chance to fulfil his international ambitions.

South Africa-born Fourie, 30, has earned England Saxons honours and Leeds head coach Neil Back has tipped him to break into Martin Johnson's senior squad.

Fourie said: "I am very happy here at Leeds Carnegie and I want to stay here regardless of what happens this season. I never thought that I would ever be able to play for an England representative side but the fact that I have played for the Saxons is because of Leeds."

He added: "The club gave me the opportunity to play at the highest level when they signed me from Rotherham and now I feel I should reward that faith by agreeing a new contract."

Back said: "I think Hendre can play at the very highest level. He does things in games that most people probably do not appreciate but his team-mates and the coaching staff certainly do. He has been outstanding for us this season."