Rugby league is a labour of love for York's newest recruit John Strange.

The Wasps have Cupid's arrow to thank for their capture of the 23-year-old Australian, who was a regular in the first division with Featherstone Rovers last season.

Strange told the Evening Press he planned to resume his career Down Under after one season in England - until he fell for Leeds University student Adele North.

Now the former St George full-back has his sights set on a promotion winning season with the Wasps and a wedding in Scotland this summer.

Said a love-struck Strange: "I just wanted to come over and see her. I could not be apart from her. I originally decided to go back and continue my career in Australia. Featherstone offered me a contract and I had other offers but I said I was going home.

"I met a girl over here and that is why I am back. I decided in late January that I was going to come back but Featherstone had just signed their last import.

"But my girlfriend knew someone from York through Uni. That is what happened. I think York have got a pretty good team, spending a bit of money and we are definitely going to be in the top three. We will not settle for anything besides first place."

Strange, a Featherstone team-mate of York's Matt Lambert last year, made 22 league and cup appearances for the Post Office Road side, scoring seven league tries.

The full-back, who can also play centre or stand-off, added: "I have got a lot of years left in me and I want to progress to Super League. But you have got to go on to the paddock to prove your ability."

Wasps coach Dean Robinson said: "John is a quality individual who has played first class rugby in Australia and had an outstanding season for Featherstone.

"I am lucky to have got him because he would have gone to Featherstone. It is their loss and my gain and he will give me a wealth of experience in the backs, even though he is 23 years old."

Robinson last night completed the permanent signings of York-born Alex Godfrey, from Hull Sharks, and Australian Geoff Woodward.

The two players were on temporary contracts but the coach revealed their Silk Cut Challenge Cup and friendly displays merited one-season deals.

The coach has given up the chase for a friendly fixture on Sunday, declaring his intention to use the time as preparation for next Friday's Huntington Stadium meeting with Leeds Rhinos.

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