London Wasps have signed exciting young player, David Doherty on a three-year contract. At only 19, Doherty made 14 Guinness Premiership appearances for Leeds in 2005-6, 11 of them in the starting line-up.
He also represented England U19 in the 2006 Six Nations and IRB U19 World Championship, and was a key player in the team the reached the semi-final of the World competition.
Doherty is one of the most promising prospects in English rugby having risen through the ranks at Leeds as a dual code player before opting for rugby union.
The teenager, who can also play at centre and on the wing, has an impeccable pedigree and has revealed he can't wait to fulfill his career goals in the black and gold, eager to hone his skills under Director of Rugby Ian McGeechan and Head Coach Shaun Edwards.
Doherty said: "Wasps are a fantastic club that I've played against twice in my career. I just thought that in the next level of my development going towards my aims Wasps would be the best place where I could fulfill my potential.
"With the current staff of Ian McGeechan and Shaun Edwards and the players there, I think it will be a fantastic environment where I'll learn and grow."
Doherty, nicknamed "Doc", is also looking forward to life in the capital and training at the club's base at Twyford Avenue, Acton.
He added: "It will be very different to living in Leeds, but it will be another challenge for me and that is one thing I'm really looking forward to as well. It will be a good part of growing up and help me become a well-rounded player."
The talented back almost committed his future to the 13-man code with Leeds Rhinos, but feels he made the right choice by picking Rugby Union as his chosen career path. "It was a very difficult decision because I loved playing for the Rhinos and I represented Great Britain Under 18's on a victorious tour of Australia and New Zealand.
"Going back to League could eventually be a possibility, but I'm really enjoying Rugby Union - there is a lot to the game. There is a different mind-set needed - it is a lot different. I'm really happy with my decision and hopefully I can continue playing Rugby Union and get to the highest level."
Doherty's versatility is one of his greatest attributes, but the Yorkshireman forecasts that Wasps' fans will probably see him wear the 15 jersey most of all.
He added: "I think probably full-back at the moment. I'm hopefully growing into that position, but I can play both at wing and outside centre.
"But I'd say my main focus, after speaking to Shaun Edwards, is to play at full-back, hopefully for England if I can develop in the years to come."
On the topic of Edwards, Doherty revealed that the former Wigan scrum-half is one of his idols and he is keen to benefit from the expert tutelage of Wasps' head coach.
He said: "He is a legend at Rugby League and I watched him playing for Wigan for a number of years.
"The prospect of being coached by somebody like that is brilliant for me and I'm really looking forward to it. Hopefully it will help me progress in my career."
Leeds-born Doherty is also aiming to follow in the footsteps of fellow Leedsian McGeechan by representing the British and Irish Lions at some point in the future.
He said: "I think it is every young man's goal to play for the Lions, but hopefully it will go smoothly if I keep my head down and make sure I'm sticking to the right programmes it will happen."
On recruiting such a promising talent, McGeechan said: "David is an exciting young prospect and we are very much looking forward to him joining us at Wasps. David will join as a member of the first team squad, but we will provide the extra academy support for him as one of the younger players.
"His arrival will strengthen up our back three, where we will be looking to develop his skills as a full back."
In terms of short-term goals, Doherty has set his sights on securing a regular first team place at Wasps, but is under no illusions concerning the sheer magnitude of the task ahead.
He said: "I want to become a first team regular. I know it is going to be difficult because there are a lot of fantastic players there, namely in my position, the back-three.
"But, hopefully if I can put in some good performances, then I could become a first team regular by the end of the year."
London Wasps can also confirm that centre Rob Hoadley has agreed to new deal to stay at the club for a further two years.
Hoadley, 26, has made 32 appearances since joining Wasps at the start of 2004, his finest moment coming when he scored the final try to round off Wasps victory in last year's Premiership Final.
Commenting on his new contract, Hoadley said, "I'm really pleased to be staying at Wasps next season. There will be new challenges for us as a squad, and I'm looking forward to working together with the other players and coaches to continue to improve and meet those new challenges."