NEWCASTLE have signed Tonga flanker Josh Afu on a two-year deal.

Afu played Super 14 rugby with Queensland Reds before forfeiting his eligibility by choosing to play international rugby for the country of his birth, and has played in Tonga's last four Test matches against Fiji, Japan, Samoa and Australia A. He joins the Falcons from National One side Doncaster.

Falcons director of rugby Steve Bates said: "Josh has been on our radar for some time now and I am delighted we have managed to finalise a deal to bring him to Kingston Park.

"We have watched him a number of times for Doncaster this season, including two tries and a man-of-the-match performance two weeks ago, and he is a player capable of adding a lot to our squad.

"He has incredible pace for such a big man, knows his way to the try line and gives us an extra option in the lineout."

Afu, 22, said: "I've enjoyed this year in National One, and what it does mean is that I'm already used to the British winters and the challenges those conditions can pose to players.

"I can't wait to step up because the Guinness Premiership is always a competition I have admired and I'm relishing the challenge of playing on that stage with Newcastle."