HULL Kingston Rovers winger Gavin Molloy has become the latest recruit to the York Wasps ranks.

The Beverley-based 21-year-old was loaned out to Wasps in May and played in six games last season under former coach Lee Crooks, mainly at centre.

With his contract at Rovers now ended, he has made the move to Huntington Stadium permanent in a one-year deal.

The former West Hull and Beverley amateur, who was with Rovers for three years, matches the Wasps' blueprint for eager young blood, and he showed enough ability during his brief stint in York to suggest he could be one for the future.

Wasps chief executive Ann Garvey said: "He came on loan when we were struggling for players and he did well.

"We are pleased he has come back, particularly because of his age. I think the new coach (Leo Epifania) will bring a lot out of the young lads and it is good to have a number of younger players keen to learn and looking forward to the next few years.

"We have and are looking at a few players who can play on the wing or centre, though he prefers it as a winger."

Molloy becomes the tenth player to officially sign professional forms with the club ahead of the new season, joining Wasps stalwarts Shaun Austerfield, Mick Ramsden, Mick Hagan, who signed today, and Andy Precious; youngsters Matt Mulholland and Nathan Pincher; academy duo Danny Brown and Ritchie Hunter; and former trialist Darren Crake.

Scotland student international Callum Irving, York University captain last year, is also on trialist forms.

Other players who are known to be in close discussions with the club include club captain Alan Pallister and former stars Peter Edwards and Mark Cain.

Wasps are also known to be negotiating terms with three big-name Frenchmen, one of whom could well play against Great Britain in the forthcoming Test, and two as yet unnamed players from outside the club.

The Wasps' new signings will join their new team-mates on Tuesday, October 16 when training for the new season - which will kick-off on December 2 - gets underway.

And while Epifania will not be at the Huntington Stadium in person, his presence will certainly be felt be the players.

Epifania, who is due in the country by the end of the month, has sent through a training schedule for all the players to work to before his arrival.

And Garvey added: "In my time at the club, I have not seen a harder training schedule.

"Hopefully with this, the players will be well prepare and we can have a good season at the club."

Newly-appointed assistant coach Martin Flynn will take charge of the sessions until Epifania arrives.

Updated: 09:30 Wednesday, October 10, 2001