Leeds Carnegie’s assistant Academy manager Mark Luffman has dismissed county-wide newspaper reports that he is set to take charge of Otley next season.

Luffman, who is fully committed to his role at Leeds, has combined his Academy commitments with a part-time role as forwards’ coach at Cross Green for the last three seasons, helping Otley’s director of rugby Peter Clegg while monitoring a number of Leeds Academy players who have been on loan at the lower-division club.

Luffman has denied reports suggesting that he will take over from Clegg.

“My first commitment is to Leeds Carnegie and assisting Diccon Edwards in the running of our Academy,” said Luffman.

“In the past few seasons that has also involved my role at Otley, where players like Jacob Rowan, Adam Greendale and Tom Denton have been on loan.

“I am helping Otley out during the summer as they look to assemble a squad for next season but there will be a director of rugby coming in to replace Peter Clegg for next season and I will continue my role as forwards coach if required.”

As well as Clegg leaving his post, Otley, relegated to the national third tier at the end of last season, have also lost Paul Jaques as chairman.

Otley start their National League One season with a visit to Blaydon on Saturday, September 5, followed by a home match against Tynedale the following weekend.

The Cross Greeners are at Wharfedale on September 19 and host the Dalesmen on January 9 as part of a 30-match programme that ends on April 24.

Otley’s only blank Saturdays are December 26, February 6 and March 13.