Leonard leaves Edinburgh to get more game time

Harry Leonard in action for Edinburgh. Picture: Ian Rutherford

The 21-year-old started last night’s match away to the Dragons at stand-off, but he has had fleeting starts for Edinburgh over the last couple of seasons and is now heading south. The Brighton-born player played 15 times for Scotland under-20 during 2011 and 2012, but will leave Murrayfield in the summer, along with fellow stand-offs Gregor Hunter and Piers Francis.

Commenting on his move to Yorkshire, Leonard said: “It will be a good opportunity for me to get more consistent game time. The ambition and aspirations that Leeds have going forward impressed me, as well as the great facilities available to train and play in.

“Hopefully, things will go well for the rest of the season and the play offs and we can get into the Premiership but, if not, I am looking forward to the chance to help the team get up [from the Greene King IPA English Championship] next season. It is a young team and I am looking forward to being part of that.

“I enjoy the organisational side of the game and also kick goals so I can offer plenty to the team. I’m coming down to watch the Plymouth league game in a couple of weeks when I can get to meet a few more of the lads.”

After impressing with Boroughmuir in 2011, Leonard went to New Zealand on the Macphail Scholarship and has been at Edinburgh ever since.

Leeds Carnegie Director of Rugby Chris Gibson said: “The capture of Harry is a really exciting one for us. Not only are we getting a very talented, young stand-off, but he is also someone who already has experience of playing at the highest level and excelling in the Heineken Cup.”