York Wasps have spread their net further afield to sign young Welsh prospect Max Ryce on a month's trial.

Ryce, 20, arrived in York yesterday from his home in Cardiff and will attend his first training session with his new team-mates tonight.

A talented centre or winger, he has had trials with Wigan Warriors and London Broncos and comes to Huntington Stadium highly recommended from the man who discovered Paul Mills, a forward who played for York three years ago.

He has also gained international recognition having been selected for the Welsh rugby union training squad.

Assistant coach John Paterson said: "It started about a month ago when we received some details from the same source that produced Paul Mills who was an excellent lad.

"Dean (Robinson) asked him if he would like to come up and chance his arm so we've got him for a month so see if he's up to the rigours of the Northern Ford Premiership."

Ryce has been playing rugby union for Cardiff but has experience of rugby league having played in the Cardiff Academy team against York last season.

Paterson added: "He's only 20 but if he's been playing in the centre for his rugby union club and he's been selected for the full Welsh training squad he's got to be worth a look at.

"A Super League club have been having him watched as part of their development squad so if they've shown interest in him he must have something. Let's hope we can get him here and turn him into something for us."

Wasps coach Dean Robinson will have a chance to assess him during training this week before deciding whether he will be in contention for a place in the side to face Featherstone on Sunday.

Chief executive Ann Garvey said: "It's entirely up to Dean and how he goes in training. I think the general feeling is that everybody is up for a place providing they show willing in training.

"He looks a handy lad and I understand he's quite fast. He is very ambitious."

Wasps have re-arranged their Northern Ford Premiership fixture at Dewsbury Rams for Wednesday, March 15, kick-off 7.30pm.

The new date is subject to approval from the Rugby Football League but no problems are anticipated.

The game had been scheduled for Sunday, March 12, but has been switched because Dewsbury are playing Leeds in the Challenge Cup quarter-final on Friday, March 10.

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