AARON Wood is set to bid farewell to Heworth ARLC, and England, next week - but he is keen to return as soon as possible.

The Australian, who first moved to England in 2003 to play for York City Knights, has been a key figure in the Villagers' improvement in form since his semi-professional contract with LHF National League One side Doncaster Dragons (now Lakers) finished at the end of the 2005 season.

But he is to return down under on Monday as his current working visa runs out and will have to stay away for at least two months as he seeks another via his job as a fitness trainer - a visa as a rugby league player is not possible as he has not played enough NRL games to meet the criteria.

His last appearance will be in Saturday's GMB Union National Cup second round tie against Hunslet Old Boys, when Heworth will be keen to avoid a shock loss to Yorkshire League opposition (ko 2pm)

His departure will leave them with a big hole to fill at stand-off as they look to build on their run of three consecutive home wins, which has taken them out of the National Conference division two re-election zone.

However, it does not signal the end of Wood's time at Elmpark Way.

He has had overtures from Sheffield Eagles and Batley Bulldogs about playing in the National League again next season once he gets a visa sorted, but he has far from ruled out a return to the amateur club.

"I would play for Heworth again if possible," he said.

"Chris Smith (former Knights team-mate and now coach at Heworth) asked me to help them out and I made a commitment with them. It's a great set-up and they're a great bunch of blokes and I would try to see it out with them."

Wood, who will be 27 by the time he returns to York, added: "I think I've got a few more years left at pro' level but, if I'm still here, Heworth are a top club with a wonderful bunch of people and it would be the (amateur) club I'd go to."

A YORK Acorn Old Boys side will take on their counterparts from Southlands on Sunday in the first 13-a-side tag rugby match between two York teams (ko 1.30pm).

Any players who fancy a game for Acorn can contact the club (01904 330351) or turn up on the day, meet at 12.45pm. Anyone wanting to turn out for Southlands can ring Tony Gargan on 07736 040804.

Updated: 11:44 Thursday, December 08, 2005