Leeds swoop for Wentzel

Leeds Carnegie have announced the signing of South African lock Marco Wentzel from Guinness Premiership title contenders Leicester.

Wentzel, capped by the Springboks against Scotland and France in 2002, has agreed a two-year contract with the National League One leaders and promotion favourites.

The 29-year-old joined Leicester from Italian club Benetton Treviso in 2007, featuring in last season's Premiership final against Wasps at Twickenham.

Former Leicester star and current Leeds head coach Neil Back hailed Wentzel's capture.

Back said: "His signing is a signal of our ambition and intent at Leeds Carnegie.

"The fact we have been able to attract someone who has as much experience of playing Premiership, Heineken Cup and international rugby as Marco demonstrates that he recognises that ambition and is aware of the environment that is being created at Leeds Carnegie.

"Hopefully, he will be the first of many to follow."