McColl commits future to Leeds with new deal

Stevie McColl has rewarded Leeds Carnegie for their faith in him by committing to the club for another year.

The 24-year-old Scot, who was out of contract in the summer, was being highly coveted by Premiership clubs after a sterling season with Leeds.

But for the time being he believes Leeds can get him to the Premiership, either this season or next, and has opted to stay. The fact he is starting a family and is settled in Yorkshire were principles motive, but whatever the reasons, it is good news for Leeds.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Me and my missus have talked about it, and with her being pregnant it’s probably best for us to stay here,” said McColl, who has crossed the tryline four times this season in 18 games.

“We’ve built a good rapport here at Leeds and the club have been good to me. I was injured at the start of my first year but that did not set me back and this year has been my best year at the club.

“We’re playing good rugby, it’s a good atmosphere and a good attitude at the club.”

Head coach Diccon Edwards has already wrapped up a number of players on deals for next season and was delighted to add one of the stars of the campaign to that list.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Edwards said: “He had a tough time last season with injuries but has really kicked on this year and is one of the best attacking runners in the Championship. He sees the vision we have for the club and wants to be part of it.”

Leeds entertain London Scottish at Hull Ionians’ Brantingham Park tomorrow, knowing that if they hope to gate-crash the top-four play-offs, then backing up last week’s vital win over Cornish Pirates is imperative.

“The win last week puts us in good stead,” said McColl.

“The strong message since then, and we know it ourselves, is that we cannot afford any more slip-ups. We’re probably the underdogs in the play-off race, but that will suit us best.”

The trip to Hull is the latest on a long journey of ‘On the Road’ fixtures for Leeds. Edwards said: “It is a good set-up and a good quality pitch. The club has had a long connection with Hull down the years and it is nice that we can take a game over there.”