Wharfedale’s Tongan star Latu Makaafi has been snapped up by Doncaster Knights His departure was announced on Tuesday – just 13 days after he helped the Greens to lift the Yorkshire Cup.

Doncaster’s Director of Rugby Lynn Howells moved quickly to secure the signing of the Tongan international for his Rugby Championship team.

Latu made 24 starts for Wharfedale in the 2009-10 season and scoring an impressive 12 tries.

His rate of scoring a try every two games clearly captured the attention of the Knights’ scouts.

His try-scoring is attributed to his excellent ball handling and strong running skills as well as his willingness to work to a team ethic.

Latu said: “I am very happy to play at Doncaster, it was an easy decision for me with current Tongan Internationals in the squad and the great facilities.

“Tongan players have always had success at Castle Park and I want to work hard to make that happen again if I can.”

Latu played for the Tongan U21s and had once won five man of the match awards in one season.

The back row forward also made it through to full international status by playing 72 minutes against Fiji in a 2003 World Cup qualifier.

He was also one of the first professional players recruited to play for Jersey Rugby.

The popular 28-year-old has also played with Hull and Bradford and Bingley.

A tall and muscular back row player at 6 foot 4 and 16 stone 1 pound Latu is known for his hard work at either 8 or 6, but admits he would take on the duties of the number 7 shirt to make it into a match day squad.

Doncaster say his success last season made him a candidate for a step up through the leagues, after an impressive display over a full season coupled with the attitude shown throughout.