Hohneck’s return lifts Leeds ahead of crucial encounter

The New Zealand-born lock, 32, has been absent for the majority of the season with an ankle injury after joining the club from Viadana in the summer as a direct replacement for Erik Lund.

The towering presence of Norwegian-born Lund has been greatly missed in the second row for Leeds and Hohneck has been in training over the last fortnight in the hope that he could be ready to come into the team for such a crucial game.

Tom Denton has matured into the role alongside captain Marco Wentzel in the second row, but he is out of Sunday’s game having damaged anterior cruciate ligaments.

Rhys Oakley is also on the sidelines with a hand injury, with home-grown Danny Paul expected to return from his latest injury to fill that void in the back row.

But it is the return of 6ft 8ins Hohneck – who has made only four appearances so far – that is the most encouraging aspect of Leeds’s preparations.

“He’s worked incredibly hard with the team and has been back in training a couple of weeks,” said head coach Neil Back. “He was fighting for the opportunity and it’s almost like having a new signing. It’s a real positive having him and Danny Paul available.

“We signed Sean as a direct replacement for Erik Lund. He’s a very physical player. We’ve missed a bit of his hard nose, direct, no-nonsense play and, hopefully, he will come through the next couple of days and be available.”

Fly-half Lachlan Mackay is also expected to return with Ceiron Thomas, Matty Jarvis and Leigh Hinton vying for a start and the all-important kicking duties.

Back yesterday said the club hoped to announce more contract signings in the next fortnight, in the wake of Wentzel’s decision to commit his future to the club earlier this week.

Gloucester were at the front of a queue of Premiership clubs for the signature of the lineout leader, who was also attracting interest from France, Japan and South Africa.

Back said: “If you lose your captain then it is difficult to retain players. Now Marco has committed to the next two years those talks become easier.

“Hopefully, within the next couple of weeks we’ll be able to announce further signings of those that are out of contract and those that we wish to extend, on the back of new talent to support our efforts.”

Sunday’s game kicks off at 5.30pm and will be televised by Sky.