Walker brothers give Leeds lift ahead of play-off run-in

It is a timely boost for the Yorkshire side who need to win all three of their remaining play-off games to keep alive their hopes of promotion to the Premiership.

Walker’s two-year commitment ensures that if they do not achieve the aim this season, he will be there to help them attempt to gain promotion from the Championship next term. His fellow back-row forward Jacob Rowan – another prospect from the Leeds academy – has already committed his future to the Headingley club.

And Walker’s brother Jack, who has represented England at Under-16s level and in an Under-18s trial game, has also penned a new deal. The hooker has signed a four-year contract.

Chris Walker, 20, has been a major part of the Leeds squad this season having featured in 15 games in the Championship so far.

He is expected to be back in Diccon Edwards’s squad for tomorrow’s vital trip to face Pool B leaders Bedford Blues, having returned from the successful Under-20’s Six Nations campaign with England.

The brothers hail from Settle in North Yorkshire and come from a rugby family as their father John played rugby union and league for Otley, Batley, Keighley Cougars and Hunslet Hawks.

Chris began playing for North Ribblesdale at the age of six, attended Settle Middle School and Settle High School. He then moved to Prince Henry’s Grammar School in Otley to pursue his sixth-form studies. Jack Walker attends Settle College.

Edwards said: “This is fantastic news for Leeds Carnegie and a huge boost to our ongoing plans for the club in the immediate and long term.

“Chris has proven this year that he can perform at the highest level with Leeds and England while Jack is regarded as the best young player in his age group. Their commitment to Leeds Carnegie is a tremendous message about the direction we are going as a club and an exciting development.”

Academy manager Mark Luffman said: “Jack is a very exciting young talent.

“He plays at hooker in his own age group but was moved to the back row for obvious reasons when he played at a higher age group. However, as with most things, he took it in his stride.

“He is certainly a player we hope will have a bright future at the club and one who can follow in Chris’s footsteps into the first team in the years ahead.”

Andy Robinson has decided to continue as Scotland head coach despite the Six Nations whitewash, the Scottish Rugby Union have confirmed.

Scotland finished the Six Nations with the wooden spoon, leaving Robinson to consider his future despite being under contract until the 2015 Rugby World Cup.

A statement from the SRU read: “(SRU chief executive) Mark Dodson and Andy Robinson met today for discussions following the Six Nations.

“The discussions were positive and concluded that Andy will continue to lead the Scotland national team with the support of his revised coaching structure.”