Free agents Hayes and Callaghan quitting York for Craven Park.

YORK Wasps' roster has been cut by two as Rich Hayes and Darren Callaghan have agreed to join Northern Ford Premiership rivals Hull Kingston Rovers.

With the luxury of the Robins rescue package being finalised last week, coach Dave Harrison has acted quickly to bolster his squad with 29-year-old prop Hayes and 23-year-old half-back Callaghan being enticed to Craven Park.

Both players had come to the end of their contracts at the Huntington Stadium and were free agents, Hayes signing a one year deal and Callaghan taking up a two year offer.

And Robins coach Harrison is delighted with his acquisitions.

"I have wanted Hayes since he had a loan spell with us a couple of years ago," said Harrison.

"He never takes a backwards step and will be a great example to our younger players.

"Callaghan didn't perhaps have the best of seasons last time out, but he was great the year before and he has all the attributes."

Hayes, who works as a York postman, leaves Huntington Stadium for a second time after only one season back with the Wasps.

The powerhouse prop, affectionately known as "Hoss", had an eight year stint with York before leaving to join Hunslet Hawks, but he returned after one season at South Leeds Stadium to play for the Wasps taking his appearance record for the club to 229 games.

For Callaghan, who has shown his ability to adapt having filled both half back slots and played at loose forward, ends a two year association with the club after joining them from amateurs York Acorn and he will be eager to show the Robins he is worthy of the investment after Rovers had been expected to dive in for Barrow Border Raiders half-back Darren Holt - a deal which is now off.

He made an instant impact for Wasps who were quick to sign him after he had shone in the amateur ranks and had been a Great Britain BARLA tourist.

The Wasps will be watching the coaching merry-go-round closely as they look to decide whether Garry Atkins will continue after taking the caretaker role, a position he assumed after Dean Robinson's acrimonious departure last season, up until the end of last season or whether they will seek to appoint a new man.

Former Great Britain, Castleford and Hull star Lee Crooks, who has been out of the game since leaving Keighley Cougars' coaching post over a year ago, has been linked with the Wasps but has thrown his hat in the ring for the vacant position at Rochdale Hornets.

Hornets are believed to be favouring snapping up Andy Kelly, who was ousted as Wakefield Trinity coach this term, but Kelly and brother Neil, currently boss of NFP play-off semi-finalists Dewsbury Rams, are being strongly linked to team up at Super League strugglers Huddersfield-Sheffield Giants.

The Giants, who parted company with John Kear last week, have plenty of irons in the fire with ex-Halifax Blue Sox coach John Pendlebury, ex-Great Britain star Shaun Edwards, former GB and Wigan coach Andy Goodway and Hull FC assistant Tony Anderson all being touted as men ready to take over the reins at the McAlpine Stadium.

peter.barrow@ycp.co.uk

PICTURE: DOUBLE EXIT: Free agents Darren Callaghan (top) and Rich Hayes (above) are leaving York Wasps for Northern Ford Premiership rivals Hull KR