Back resigns as Leeds head coach

Back's side were beaten 31-24 at Northampton in their final game Leeds head coach Neil Back has resigned with immediate effect.

The former England and Leicester flanker had been due to meet Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington on Wednesday to review the season.

But the 42-year-old, who joined Leeds in June 2008 and led the team to safety last season, is leaving after the club finished bottom of the Premiership.

"I have thrived on the challenge, however, I feel I've taken Leeds as far as I can," said World Cup winner Back.

"The experiences over the last three years have been incredible in terms of my personal and coaching development.

"I am very proud of what Leeds Carnegie has achieved against the odds and I wish Leeds all the success for the future."

Back guided Leeds to promotion to the top flight in his first season in charge and followed that by keeping them in the Premiership last season.

However, a final-day defeat at the hands of Northampton consigned the Yorkshire side to bottom place on points difference this year.

Relegation has not been confirmed though and Leeds will get a reprieve if Cornish Pirates beat Worcester in the two-legged Championship final, on 11 and 18 May, because the Pirates' stadium in Penzance does not meet Premiership requirements.

Leeds chief Hetherington paid tribute to Back's efforts and stated: "I would like to thank Neil for all his efforts during the past three years when he has helped move the club forward into a stronger position.

"In his first season, we won promotion and last season we defied the odds to retain our place in the Premiership.

"However, this year we have fallen short by the smallest of margins on the final day of the season and that comes as a disappointment to all of us."