Former New Zealand international Peter Edwards is on his way to York Rugby League Club.

Peter Edwards

The 29-year-old utility player has joined the Wasps on a one-year deal from Super League side Salford Reds, making him coach Dean Robinson's first signing of the new campaign.

He is expected to make a massive impact at Huntington Stadium and has been branded "the most significant signing in years" by Wasps chief executive Jim Race.

Utility man Edwards, who can play at hooker, stand off or centre, has been a regular in the Salford side since joining the club in the 1995-96 season.

He toured Great Britain and France as a full back with the Kiwis in 1993, playing in both Test matches in France and in all the matches against the British club sides.

He has since become the Reds first choice hooker and will bring valuable experience to the Wasps squad for their first division campaign.

Said Race: "This is the most significant signing this club has made in years. He's the best New Zealander since Tawera Nikau.

"He has got the right image, he's a total professional and is going to be a real benefit to the club."

Robinson is also delighted to have secured the services of such a quality player. He said: "This is a major signing for the club. We're hoping he'll bring experience to guide what is a relatively young squad in the first division.

"I kept faith with the current squad towards the end of last season when I believed they were the players to finish the job we'd started but I also know we need to strengthen to make certain we don't become the whipping boys of the first division.

"We will be running with a squad of 22 players next season so not only do I want to bring in players of quality but also ones of utility value and Peter fits the mould superbly.

"He'll bring with him a lot of good things on and off the field. He retains great ambition and wants to finish his career playing Super League rugby so he is coming down to prove to Super League teams what he can do."

Edwards, whose contract at York begins on January 1, has flown back to New Zealand for Christmas but will return early in the new year to begin training with the Wasps.

He will move to the York area with his wife Vicky and three children.

Edwards will take up one of the three places on York's overseas quota, along with full back John Strange and winger Fata Sini who have both re-signed for the coming season.

The bulk of the local-based players have also re-signed, including last season's top scorer Leigh Deakin.

Robinson said he was also speaking to several quality first division players with a view to bringing another four or five new players on board.

The Wasps have announced their season ticket prices for the first division campaign. An adult ground pass is £70 (OAPs £40) and an adult stand pass is £90 (OAPs £60). There will also be a discount of £10 for adults and £5 for pensioners for anybody buying a pass before December 12.

A special junior package will be announced in the next few days.

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