Contract extension for McClennan

Leeds have ended speculation over the immediate future of head coach Brian McClennan by announcing he has agreed a 12-month contract extension.

The 48-year-old former New Zealand coach, who is in his third season at Headingley, was out of contract at the end of the year but is now committed to the club until the end of 2011.

Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "Our intention was always to have Brian here for next season and that has never been an area of doubt for me or Brian. The plan has always been for Brian to be here for a fourth season and perhaps beyond that point."

He added: "He now has one and half seasons left on his contract however whilst Brian and I have the working relationship that we have, the length of his contract is not an issue."

McClennan succeeded Tony Smith at the Rhinos in November 2007, initially on a two-year contract, and led them to back-to-back Super League titles.

McClennan, currently preparing his side for their Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter-final against Wigan on Saturday, said: "I am happy here as long as the club, the players and my family are happy with me and that remains the case.

"There has been a lot of speculation from outside of our organisation about my future but that is not something I have paid any attention too.

"Our focus has always been on this season. As professionals we live in games, weeks and seasons. We are in the middle of a very exciting season at the moment and I am excited about this week's challenge against Wigan.

"We have faced some adversity this season but we are rising to the challenge each time and I am very proud to be head coach of this great club."

McClennan, whose father Mike coached St Helens from 1990-93, has recently been linked with a move to New Zealand Warriors, whose coach Ivan Cleary is under contract to the end of 2011.