Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back is relishing his side's challenging start to the new Premiership season.
Leeds coach ready to test his side against the best
Leeds Carnegie head coach Neil Back says his side are relishing their tough start to the new Premiership season.
The opening weekend of the 2010/2011 campaign sees Leeds host last season's losing Premiership semi-finalists Bath.
After a clash with Gloucester, Back's side will then face beaten finalists Saracens and reigning champions Leicester in consecutive weeks.
Leeds will face five of last season's top six in the opening seven games of the season, but Back believes the string of challenging fixtures present an opportunity for his squad to shine.
"We are excited about the prospect of challenging ourselves against the sides who qualified for the Heineken Cup last season," the former England international said.
Focus
"We are three weeks into our pre-season training and the announcement of the fixture list will really help focus the players on the job in hand.
"We know we need to improve on last season and that is what we are looking to do."
After successfully avoiding relegation last season, Back and director of rugby Andy Key have already made seven new signings as they try and progress up the table next season.
One of the new boys, winger Michael Stephenson, will face-off against his old club Bath in the opening game at Headingley.
Back added: "I am sure Michael will be looking to earn a spot in the side for that game against his former team-mates.
"We are pleased to be starting at home and it should be a great occasion for our supporters to come out and give the side their backing."
