YORK RUFC have suffered a huge blow to their promotion hopes after captain and fly-half Carl Paterson left Clifton Park to rejoin North One high flyers Hull.

Paterson, the son of former York Wasps rugby league assistant coach John, skippered the side to second place in Yorkshire One - just a point behind leaders Pontefract - but has departed York to try his luck in rugby's higher reaches.

The influential stand-off is arguably one of York's best players and was a huge hit in his two seasons at the club - filling what had been a difficult position for the Clifton Parkers.

His combination of quick, sharp passing combined with an explosive and accurate boot often gave York the edge in tight affairs.

He has been replaced as captain by Kiwi John Sharpe, who takes the armband for the first time this weekend when York play host to rivals Scarborough in a home derby clash.

Club chairman Niall Barry has revealed former skipper Andy Kay has also agreed to work with Sharpe in promoting York in off-the-field activities.

Paterson, who has also turned out for Selby and had a stint in rugby league with Wasps, left York for a spell last year to turn out for an Italian club side in Rome.

He has now joined a Hull team lying in fourth place in North One, six points behind leaders Caldy. He previously played, and top-scored, for the club two years ago when they were successfully promoted from North 2 East.

Sharpe, 24, has been with York for more than three years and has been hailed by club officials for his contribution on and off the pitch. The hooker won provincial caps in New Zealand with Mid Cantebury.

On Sharpe, Barry said: "I am confident that everyone - players, supporters and management will all get behind John and the team to support - in what is a very difficult game.

"York are second in Yorkshire One and everyone is absolutely determined to give Pontefract a very good run for their money for that elusive automatic promotion position.

"John is the perfect choice and character to take us there."