New York helps out 'worst side in Britain'

In one of the more unlikely link-ups – especially in light of last week's tragic events – York Wasps, the worst professional rugby league club in Britain, are to be sponsored next season by a New York council.

The New York Economic Development Council will have their web site logo – newyorkbiz.com – on the Wasps' shirts next year and are determined to press ahead despite the chaos into which the city has been plunged by last week's terrorist attack. "We asked them whether they wanted to go ahead with it, but they said life must go on and they were fully committed to the sponsorship,'' said the Northern Ford Premiership club's director, Russell Greenfield.

York won one game in the Premiership last season and finished the campaign with a team of amateurs after almost folding. The link up with New York came about when the Wasps played the French club Villeneuve in last season's Challenge Cup. Paul Faires, the marketing director for World Rugby League, was at the game and decided to try to help the club.

"What Bath is for rugby union in the south, York could be for rugby league in the north,'' he said. "It's a beautiful city and we are looking for a small club to support.''

The deal will see a number of companies becoming sponsors of the club. "The tie-up between York and New York was ideal,'' Faires said. "Obviously this is a difficult time, but they are adamant that they want to go ahead." The Wasps have also recruited a new coach, the Australian, Leo Epifania, and expect to make at least 10 new signings, including a high-profile Australian, before the season starts in December.

*The Rugby League last night upheld St Helens' appeal against a six-month suspension imposed on their forward Sonny Nickle – but replaced it with what could be an even longer ban. Nickle was originally banned until 11 March, entailing an absence of between seven and 10 matches, for the tackle that broke the jaw of Leeds' hooker Robbie Mears. Last night the punishment was changed to a nine-match ban.