YORK RUFC will begin their preparations for the new season on Tuesday, July 1.

The Clifton Parkers, who won promotion to the North Two East division after their superb play-off victory over Hartlepool Rovers, are keen to continue their progress and not follow example of 2001/2 play-off winners Scarborough, who were relegated after just one season.

The club are already closing in on the signatures of four backs and two forwards, with more targets on the horizon, as director of rugby Andy Gair and player-coach Peter Curtis strengthen the squad.

Among the players York have been talking include two former club favourites and two South Africa back-five forwards.

Gair told the Evening Press: "We have spoken to two backs who would be new to the club and two who are well-known to us and are looking to come back.

"A couple of South African players have also approached us. They are both working in the city and are keen to start playing again. Hopefully they would add competition to our back-five forwards."

It seems talk of a return of flanker Lee Denham appears wide of the mark, with the former Leeds Tykes star set to stay at Hull.

Denham, who shocked the club by his defection to Hull on the eve of last season, had thought to have become unsettled after coach Gary Pearce had been linked to a switch to Hull Ionians.

However, with Pearce commiting his immediate future at Haworth Park, Denham has decided to follow suit.

Meanwhile, long-serving prop Nick Hare has definitely retired this year, opting to take up the role as front-row coach instead.

Anyone interested in joining the York club, or for more information about training, should contact Gair on (07712) 793081.

Updated: 09:45 Thursday, June 26, 2003