Latu Makaafi

Lynn Howells continues his rebuilding job for the 2010-2011 season by recruiting a No 8 from the Island of Tonga, a player well known to our current Tongan players who has already spent several seasons in Yorkshire Rugby. Latu played for the Tongan U21 setup in his early years and had a run of 5 “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.

28 year old Latu Makaafi spent last season playing his Rugby at Wharfedale, and has also had spells 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.

His success last season made him a potential for a step up through the leagues, after an impressive display over a full season coupled with the attitude shown throughout. Latu made 24 starts for Wharfedale in the 09-10 season coming away with 12 tries over that period, giving him a 1 in 2 try scoring ratio. This is attributed to his excellent ball handling and strong running skills as well as his willingness to work to a team ethic.

Latu himself made this comment “ I am very happy to come 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.”