Leeds step up Larkham bid

Guinness Premiership newcomers Leeds Carnegie are to step up their daring bid to land Australian World Cup star Stephen Larkham.

The 101-times-capped fly-half, who will retire from Test rugby after the World Cup in France, had signed a two-year deal with Edinburgh but changes at the Celtic League side have put the move in jeopardy and he is expected to become available once more.

"We are in the market for world-class players and Stephen Larkham is certainly in that category," confirmed Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington.

He added: "We have been monitoring the situation with Edinburgh and are now in a position to make a formal offer.

"We expect a good deal of competition from clubs around the world but feel we can put together a package which will be appealing to Stephen and his family."