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Leeds Rhinos: Smith to leave Rhinos
Leeds Rhinos today confirmed that England World Cup back Lee Smith will be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Rugby union Premiership outfit Wasps are favourites to sign Smith, who will quit Leeds when his contract expires on November 30.
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said he was "disappointed" Smith had declined a new deal, but insisted he will be replaced.
The Yorkshire Evening Post revealed earlier this year that Wasps were keen to recruit Smith, who is also understood to be interesting their Premiership rivals Saracens.
The former Drighlington amateur, who can play full-back, wing or in the centres, was offered a new contract at the end of last season and again before the current campaign began.
He is keen to move to London to be closer to his partner, who works in the capital.
In a statement released through the club today, Smith, 22, said: "I have really enjoyed my time at the Rhinos and still do.
"I feel privileged to play for my home-town club. I would like to thank everyone connected with the club who has helped me throughout my career.
"I have experienced some successful times which have left me with memories that will stay with me forever.
"However, by the end of this season I will have completed seven seasons at the club and feel the time is right for me to move on to a new challenge."
Smith came through Rhinos' junior system, making his first-team debut in 2005. He was man of the match in last year's engage Super League Grand Final win over St Helens, when he scored the opening try.
He made his England debut in last autumn's World Cup and has scored 42 tries in 88 appearances for Leeds.
Hetherington said: "It's always disappointing when a player decides to leave, especially one like Lee who has come through the ranks and gone on to international status.
"It is inevitable, with freedom of contract, that players do decide to leave, as was the case with Richie Mathers, Chev Walker, Nick Scruton and Mark Calderwood.
"They came to the end of their contracts and for various reasons decided to leave. Having spoken to Lee, I think he is looking for a different lifestyle.
"Our search for a replacement begins now, whether that is a promotion or a new player."
Rhinos have not been told where Smith plans to play next year, but Hetherington said there is "no chance" of him leaving before his contract expires.
Preparations for the new union campaign are beginning now and a 15-a-side club would be keen to have Smith on board for pre-season training, but Hetherington said: "He will play for us until the end of the season – and hopefully his last match will be in the Grand Final at Old Trafford. He will be with us until November 30, then he's free to do what he wants from December 1."
Rhinos boss Brian McClennan said it will be business as usual for the remainder of Smith's contract.
"It is Lee's choice of course and I know he will give his best for the rest of the season," he said. "His leaving will create an opportunity for someone else next year and we will be looking at that situation.
"But everyone's focus is now on our next game this weekend and the remainder of the season."
Rhinos were travelling to London today to begin preparations for tomorrow's clash with Harlequins.
Ryan Hall, Danny McGuire and Jamie Peacock all return to Leeds' initial 19-man squad after England duty, with Simon Worrall dropping out from the side which beat Huddersfield Giants last weekend.
Former Leeds hooker Ben Kaye drops out of Quins' squad, but ex-Rhinos duo Danny Ward and Joe Mbu are both back in contention along with Tony Clubb, who was on England duty last week.
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Weather for Leeds
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
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Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 22 C
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