Andy Key assured Leeds fans at the weekend that the club's playing budget would not be affected by the split with financial backers Leeds Metropolitan University and they have moved quickly to announce a second signing for the Guinness Premiership.

The former Rotherham back row, 29, joins on a two-year deal after missing only three games for relegated Bristol last season.

Samoa international Tooala made 66 appearances in three years at the Memorial Ground but a return to his family home in Yorkshire proved a major motivation for joining Leeds.

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

"There is every chance Leeds can do what Bristol did when they first got back into the Premiership and I am sure we will be working hard to do that during pre-season."

Key said: "Alfie is someone who will be a key addition to our back row with his experience of playing in the Premiership. With the season finally drawing to a close across Europe over the next few weeks we are hoping to progress a number of signings for next season in the coming weeks."

Jonny Wilkinson is to quit English rugby after signing a deal with Toulon, Newcastle finally confirmed last night.

England's 2003 World Cup-winning fly-half is one of a raft of acquisitions made by the big-spending French club for next season.

Wilkinson has reportedly signed a two-year contract worth £1.4m after spending 12 years with the Falcons.