News

Leeds sign veteran Gomarsall

August 12 2009

Leeds Carnegie have snapped up experienced scrum-half Andy Gomarsall on a one-year contract, it was announced on Wednesday.

The former Harlequins number nine, who was part of England's squad for both 2003 and 2007 World Cup assaults, joins the Headingley outfit ahead of their Guinness Premiership return.

Gomarsall is set to act as a knowledgeable head for Joe Bedford and Scott Mathie, with Director of Rugby Andy Key convincing the 35-year-old player to postpone thoughts of retirement.

"I love the Premiership and wanted to carry on playing. I toyed with retiring but Andy Key came on the phone and told me what Leeds are about and I jumped at the chance," said Gomarsall, speaking to the Yorkshire Post.

"It's a team that's come straight up for Division One to the challenge of staying in the Premiership and that's right up my street."

Commenting on the capture of Gomarsall, Key admitted his delight at bringing him back into first-class rugby and is confident he'll bring vital experience in the club's top flight comeback.

"Andy is a player with a proven track record of success. He has experience of performing at the very highest level and that will make him a key addition to our squad," said Key.

"We have worked hard to bring Andy to Leeds Carnegie and we would like to thank everyone involved in the process. We now have strength in depth in the scrum half position with Joe Bedford and Scott Mathie already at the club and Dan White coming through the Academy system.

"We know it was a big decision for Andy, especially as he has a young family who live down in London but he is thoroughly committed to helping Leeds Carnegie this season and he will be a key addition to our squad."