New Leeds signing Alfie Too'ala's family already live in Yorkshire

Premiership new boys Leeds Carnegie have signed Samoan international Alfie Too'ala from relegated Bristol.

The 29-year-old back-rower, who has penned a two-year contract, returns to Yorkshire having had a spell at Rotherham Titans in 2001.

"I spoke to other clubs who are in the Guinness Premiership or the Heineken Cup next season," Too'ala told the Leeds club website.

"But the challenge of coming to Leeds is something that really excites me."

The forward made 66 appearances for Bristol during a three-season stint in the West Country.

"I am looking forward to joining Leeds Carnegie for next season," said Too'ala. "My family live in Yorkshire, having met my wife when I played at Rotherham a few years ago and I know a lot of the Leeds team.

Over the next few weeks we are hoping to progress a number of signings that we are looking to bring into the club for next season Director of rugby Andy Key

"We have got two children and another one on the way so the timing is great for me to move back to Yorkshire."

Too'ala is the West Yorkshire club's second signing ahead of the new season, joining second-row Marco Wentzel from Leicester Tigers.

Director of rugby Andy Key told BBC Radio Leeds: "We are delighted to sign Alfie and his signing sends out a clear message of how we will approach the Premiership.

"He has shown in Bristol colours how uncompromising he is both as a ball carrier and how he is in the contact area.

"We know going into the Premiership we have to be massively uncompromising in that area and Alfie brings all those qualities to us.

"With Marco and Alfie we have brought in two players that know how to play at the top level and have the right temperament for that.

"Over the next few weeks we are hoping to progress a number of signings that we are looking to bring into the club for next season."

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