FORMER York City Knights captain Chris Levy has quit rugby league to go work in London.

Levy, who joined Doncaster Lakers after lifting the National League Two trophy with York last season, cites financial considerations and a desire to go travelling around Europe as the reasons for the decision.

The 28-year-old Aussie, who is a teacher, is currently working part-time as a school sports co-ordinator in York but will leave next month. His visa runs out in October and he wants to see more of Europe during the year before returning down under.

He has praised his colleagues at Doncaster, not least the late St John Ellis, the York-born head coach of the Lakers who died at New Year, and says he would be keen to visit Yorkshire during the season.

"I'll be sad to leave York - I've made a lot of friends up here - and I'll probably watch games at York a few times," said the half-back-cum-hooker, who had been sharing a house with Knights star Lee Paterson,

"I'll definitely watch Donny beat York," he joked, adding this explanation: "I'd like to see my mates from York do well but I've left as a Donny boy so I have to support them."

Levy added he had no intention of playing rugby down south, possibly barring touch rugby, but may return to the game when he goes back to Australia.

Updated: 09:44 Tuesday, January 31, 2006