YORK Wasps Rugby League Club have sensationally folded.

The directors have informed the Rugby Football League that the club ceased to trade as of last night, and all forthcoming fixtures have been called off.

If a saviour is not found to take on the running of the Northern Ford Premiership club immediately, the Wasps - who have been involved in professional rugby league for more than a century - will have played their last-ever match.

The news came as a bolt out of the blue last night, and it appears the door has not been left open for a rescue package.

RFL spokesman John Huxley told the Evening Press that an urgent meeting with Wasps officials had been arranged this morning but said they were in no position to make any further comment at this stage.

It is feared, however, that the RFL will not be in a position to help, given the fact they could not assist fellow NFP club Gateshead Thunder when they were in a similar position just weeks ago.

Chairman John Stabler delivered the bombshell to coach Leo Epifania and the players before the scheduled training session at 7pm yesterday.

Vice-chairman Russell Greenfield told the Evening Press that the decision was taken in the face of dwindling crowds and lower-than-expected sponsorship.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said the directors did not want the club to get into the debt-ridden state of recent years and so took the decision to close it.

"I am a heartbroken woman," she said. "I feel so sorry for the players and the coach."

Updated: 08:58 Wednesday, March 20, 2002