YORK RUFC coach Andy Gair has bolstered his staff at Clifton Park.

This season he will be assisted by three new faces.

Former Harrogate coach Roy Mackay will pass on specialist tips to the backs, while Paul 'Stan' Matthews, who ran Leeds Tykes Under-21 side last season becomes the forwards' coach.

St John's College coach Colin Clark, a former York Under-15 coach, has also been recruited.

York find themselves on the sidelines this week as their North East 2 match against Hull has been postponed because the Humberside team are playing in the Powergen Cup.

Hopes of arranging a match against Cleckheaton did not materialise so the first team squad will be having a training session at Clifton Park while the 'A' team travel to Haworth Park to take on Hull 'A'.

Inspirational York skipper Pete Curtis has been promoted by the Army away from the city but will continue to play for the club.

"He plans to travel each week to play for us," said Gair. "That is tremendous commitment and his influence at the club is immense."

He added: "Obviously it is disappointing not to be playing this weekend but at least it means we start with a home game against Horden on September 13."

Making their debuts for Selby at home to Wheatley Hills in Yorkshire One are New Zealander Hamish Burns at full back, a recent acquisition from Skipton, Oliver Mantle at fly-half, who has joined Selby from Harrogate, and former York Wasps RL centre Shaun Austerfield.

John Kaye gets the nod at prop after an excellent display in the 30-12 pre-season victory against Knottingley last Saturday.

Updated: 11:51 Friday, September 05, 2003