England under-18 back-rower Chris Walker, of Prince Henry’s Grammar School, Otley, has agreed a new two-and-a-half year contract with Leeds.

The youngster, who has played for Otley this season in National League One, will look to follow in the footsteps of England Under-20 captain Jacob Rowan from Cononley, who made his Guinness Premiership debut for Leeds this season.

Walker made his debut for Carnegie’s A team in their recent 25-25 draw at Worcester in the Guinness A League.

The 18-year-old said: “There is no better club to be at as a youngster than Leeds Carnegie.

“The club have always shown that they are prepared to give young players a chance to play in the first team – you only need to look at guys like Jacob Rowan, Calum Clark and Phil Swainston to see that.

“Having Neil Back as a head coach also helps me because he has achieved everything possible in the same position as me.”