Knight's dual registration deal
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Doncaster Knights and Leeds Carnegie have struck a deal under the RFU dual registration arrangements whereby three of the Premiership side’s English Academy players – fly-half/centre Christian Lewis-Pratt, lock James Craig and flanker Chris Walker – will join the Championship club for the coming season.
Knights Director of Rugby Lynn Howells said that the agreement had been reached after two very positive meetings with Andy Key and Neil Back and which he saw being a win:win situation for the players, Leeds and Doncaster Knights. For the players it was an opportunity to play Championship rugby; for Leeds it allowed three of their developing players to experience competitive rugby at a high level whilst remaining in a full-time environment and for the Knights it allowed them to supplement their 27 man full-time squad with some quality players in three positions where they were short. Howells said that the two clubs current league status gave the two Yorkshire rivals the opportunity to work together for the benefit of both of them in what he foresaw as a precursor to possible other links in the future.
Commenting on the arrangement Leeds Carnegie Director of Rugby Andy Key said, “This is something that worked extremely well for us last season with the likes of Joe Ford and Luther Burrell and I believe it is vital in helping young players developed to their full potential. The players will be monitored closely by our own Academy staff and their performances for Doncaster reviewed. They will also have the opportunity to play in the A League with us on Monday nights and this will be a chance for them to show their ability and force their way into the first team squad, as Ford and Burrell did last season.”
Both clubs have agreed a protocol under which the arrangements would operate. During the week the players would train with Leeds in the early part before linking up with the Knights on a Wednesday for the remainder. In terms of selection, both parties were adamant that the players had to earn their place in the Knights team on merit.
Christian Lewis-Pratt signed for Leeds Carnegie this summer from Premiership rivals Northampton Saints on a two year contract. London-born Lewis-Pratt was a regular for Northampton in the A League last season and it was his appearances against Leeds Carnegie that drew him to their attention.
James Craig is a 21 year old lock who hails originally from Beverley. He is 6’ 6” tall and weighs 17st 4lb. He has represented England at Under 16 and Under 18 level. He has previously had spells on loan with Otley and Rotherham Titans.
Chris Walker is an 18 year old openside flanker who is about to embark on a tour of South Africa with the England Under 18 squad after helping them to complete the Grand Slam last season with a try against Ireland in the final game. Chris started his rugby life with North Ribblesdale from where he was selected for England Under 16s and he spent most of last season on loan to Otley.
