Wharfedale sign Leeds Carnegie quartet (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Wharfedale sign Leeds Carnegie quartet

7:00pm Thursday 19th July 2012 in Wharfedale By Bill Marshall, T&A Sports Reporter

Wharfedale’s squad for the start of the 2012-2013 season has been boosted by four loan signings from Leeds Carnegie.

In a move that strengthens the links between Headingley and The Avenue, No 8 James Tyson and prop Mark Tampin are being joined by Otley regulars, winger Curtis Wilson and full back Christian Georgiou.

Leeds Carnegie’s Academy manager Mark Luffman said: “James Tyson is already training with Wharfedale, and the other guys will go up there for the start of the season.

"“It will be a good experience for them and help with their development. Jon Feeley and Tommy McGee are coaching there this season and they are two guys who know what we are all about here at Leeds Carnegie.”

Regular prop Tampin was with the Greens all last season in National League One, while Georgiou and strong-running Wilson both played for Otley in National League Two North, the elusive Georgiou emerging as their leading points scorer with 128, including ten tries. Tyson, meanwhile, made 11 appearances for relegated Harrogate in the same division.

The Dalesmen have also made two more signings - prop Michael Bradshaw from Beverley, a key member of Yorkshire’s victorious Under-20 County Championship side, and three-quarter Joe Donkin, who scored five tries in his ten appearances for Hull.

In addition, making a welcome return to the club after a year playing in Australia is hooker Ian Larkin.

The closeness between Leeds and Wharfedale has also been boosted by the fact that the Championship side are bringing one of their home games to The Avenue next season.

The Avenue will stage the ‘On The Road’ fixture against Moseley on Sunday, November 11, while London Scottish will face Leeds at Hull Ionians on Sunday, March 10, both games kicking-off at 3pm.

Leeds Carnegie’s chief executive Gary Hetherington said: “We are delighted to have agreed with Wharfedale and Hull Ionians to host our ‘On the Road’ fixtures this season.

“ Both clubs are excited about hosting Championship rugby this season and I am sure we will be warmly received in those parts of the county.

“We have maintained our traditional matchday of Sunday with 3pm kick-offs for the majority of our

games but also included two Friday night fixtures early in the season following feedback from supporters.

“Our intention is to take one of our three home British & Irish Cup games ‘On the Road’ as well but these fixtures will not be confirmed for a number of weeks.”