Leeds have signed up experienced lock Sean Hohneck, with World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson set to follow suit.
Hohneck signs up, Thompson linked to move back from France
Leeds have signed up experienced lock Sean Hohneck, with World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson set to follow suit.
The 31-year-old Hohneck previously played in the Guinness Premiership for Bristol and is seen as a direct replacement for Biarritz-bound Erik Lund after agreeing a two-year deal to move from Viadana.
"Erik Lund did a fantastic job for us over the past two years and we developed him as a player during his time at the club," said head coach Neil Back.
"Our challenge was to find someone with the same physical presence as Erik plus the ability to compete in the line out, in Sean we believe we have found that ideal candidate.
"He has the same frame as Erik and is a fantastic option in the line out. He could have remained in Italy to play in the Magners League but he was keen to return to the Guinness Premiership. He has a young family and wants a new challenge to test himself. He has bought into what we want to achieve as a club.
"We have done a lot of homework to make sure we are signing someone who can not only add to our playing strength but also to our character as a club. We know that Sean is coming to Headingley Carnegie for the right reasons and we are looking forward to welcoming him for the start of pre-season."
Hohneck could be joined at Headingley next season by England hooker Thompson, with reports from France claiming he is set to leave Brive for Leeds.
Thompson, who played alongside Back in the England side that won the 2003 World Cup, has played 22 times for Brive this season, although the Top 14 side have been forced to cut the playing budget after a disappointing campaign.
