"When the pressure comes on, which inevitably it will, it’s important that everyone remains loyal to the direction we’re going. The reality is we’re not going to score 128 tries and win the league, although that would be nice. It’s important that we all stick together, team and supporters.

"We need to make Headingley Carnegie a fortress and supporters underestimate how much they can help inspire the players. Stick by them, they will give their all, of that I have no doubt. I want the fans to be the 16th player and make it so that we all work together to give us the best opportunity of getting where we want to go ... to the top!"

Stuart Lancaster - 8th June 2007