Leeds Carnegie have signed Fijian international Apolosi Satala on a one-year contract, and the giant centre is set to make his Guinness Premiership debut off the bench this Friday at Newcastle Falcons.

Leeds are without 12 first-team players for the trip through injury or unavailability so Satala, who has been playing in the club's A team in recent weeks, has been drafted into the squad.

Satala has represented Fiji at Sevens and as a full international. He originally joined Leeds on trial after being recommended to the club by Major Howard Graham, the British Army's Sevens coach who had coached the Fijian.

The contract enables Appo to continue as a serving soldier in the British Army and will allow him to play in selected games for the Army.

Leeds' director of rugby Stuart Lancaster said, "I am delighted we have reached an agreement with the Army and thank then for their flexibility in allowing Appo this opportunity.

"Appo has settled in well into the club and is getting up to speed with the game plan and structures we have in place at the club.

"I am sure he will take his opportunity when it presents itself and will be an excellent addition to the squad giving us more options in the centre and on the wing."

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