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Former Doncaster Junior Rugby player Michael Cusack, who moved to newly formed RFU Academy based at Leeds Carnegie in 2001, has signed for his home club Doncaster Knights having spent the past 7 years with the premiership side. Despite being just 23, Michael is an established member of the Leeds first team squad, having first broke into the side aged 18 during the 2003-04 season. Michael came on from the substitute's bench to make his debut on the opening day of the season when the team were defeated by Bath at Headingley Carnegie. He went on to make his full debut in the Heineken Cup at Neath-Swansea Ospreys against Welsh World Cup star Duncan Jones. His incredible first season culminated in him being part of the Leeds U19 team that won the National Colts Cup for the first time in the club's history, beating Bedford in the Final. He was also named Leeds' young player of the year, with the award presented to him by club legend Mike Shelley. After a remarkable breakthrough season that summer Michael spent time at the New Zealand International Rugby Academy with intense training specifically designed for his needs. In the 2005-06 season, he continued his progression in the first team whilst playing a key role for the Academy side. In the senior team he made 8 appearances and then ended the campaign in the Leeds A team that secured the Yorkshire Cup with victory over Wharfedale. Last season Michael featured in 18 first team games for Leeds in their National One campaign and helped the side clinch promotion on their first attempt. This season he has appeared in the Leeds premiership squad on nine occasions but is out for the rest of the season having had an operation on his thumb.
During the summer of 2004 Michael spent time at the New Zealand International Rugby Academy with intense training specifically designed for his needs. He followed with a spell at New Zealand club Otago. Whilst at Otago he played for local club Kaikorai and helped them reach the Club Final at Carisbrook, and win their first Championship since 1997. He has represented Yorkshire are U16 and U18 level and played for England at U18 Clubs and U19. In the 2004-05 season Michael played for England in the U21 World Championship, starting in the game against France and coming on as substitute in the semi-final against Argentina. He also played in the U21 side for the Six Nations coming up with a try in England's 28-6 win over Ireland.
The Knight’s Director of Rugby Lynn Howells said that he was delighted that Michael had agreed to move back to his home town and he was sure that his experience in the Premiership would be very beneficial to the club.
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