New Leeds Carnegie fly half Rory Clegg is hoping everyone can gain from his loan move from Premiership champions Harlequins for the remainder of the season.

The Hannover-born youngster joined the Yorkshire club with immediate effect after both clubs agreed loan deal until the end of the current campaign.

Clegg, who joined the club from Newcastle Falcons and helped Quins lift the A League title before Christmas, has slipped down the Quins fly half pecking order with the emergence of Ben Botica.

And a move to Headingley, where he will compete with Joe Ford for the number ten shirt, is an ideal chance for him to gain regular game time.

“I am really looking forward to the challenge of playing in the Championship and helping Leeds Carnegie achieve their goals for the season," he said.

"It is a competition I have never played in before, but I know it is a tough environment and hopefully I can bring some of the things I have learnt at Quins into the mix at Leeds.

"The squad hasn’t been nailed down yet for Sunday against Plymouth, but I would love to be involved, especially as it’s my birthday, that would be a great way to start my time at the club.”

Clegg joined Harlequins from Newcastle Falcons in 2009 and has represented England at Under 16, 18, 20 and Saxons levels, while making 53 senior appearances for the Stoop outfit.

He added, “The set up here at Leeds is great and the guys have made me feel very welcome as soon as I arrived. I spoke to Danny Care before I left and he spoke very highly of Leeds Carnegie.

"I know a couple of the guys here from England squads down the years and I am excited about getting started now.”
 

Harlequins can recall Clegg and the two clubs have also agreed certain times when he will be back with the London club’s squad.
 

“If Rory is to continue to improve and develop as player, then it is important that he plays regularly,” said director of rugby Conor O’Shea.

“With Nick Evans’ in good form and Ben Bottica playing well, we are well resourced at fly half. The loan move to Leeds will benefit Rory in terms of regular game time and exposure to the experienced coaching and management of Sir Ian McGeechan and his colleagues.”

Leeds Carnegie head coach Diccon Edwards added: “We are delighted to have brought Rory into our squad for the remainder of the season.

"Fly half is a position we have been looking to strengthen all season and adding a player of Rory’s quality and experience will provide us with great competition for the number 10 shirt with Joe."