Jersey Rugby Club have confirmed that Latu Makaafi has been
released from his contract and will be leaving the Island.
The Tongan flanker was one of Jersey's first professional
players in 2006, playing for the Island side in London Two South
for two seasons and then returning in summer 2013, by which stage
Jersey were playing four levels higher in the Greene King IPA
Championship.
"Latu has been in discussion with us during the close season
regarding his wife's wish to return to the north of England to be
closer to her family," said Jersey Chairman Bill Dempsey. "His
family is Latu's priority and the club have no wish to stand in his
way - we have agreed to release him from his contract so he can
make the move with his wife and children.
"We are disappointed to be losing one of our most experienced
players - we'd like to thank Latu and wish him all the best for the
future."
Latu, 31, made 20 competitive appearances for Jersey last
season, in spite of sustaining a broken jaw in the opening game of
the season against Plymouth Albion. His final appearances were in
the crucial away win against Bedford in April, which secured
Championship survival, and the Siam Cup victory against Guernsey on
May 3rd.
The Jersey players are currently taking a few days' rest after
the first month of pre-season training. The squad will resume their
training schedule next week, in the build-up to the Championship
season, which starts on September 6th with an away trip to Moseley.
Ahead of this date, Jersey play three pre-season matches at St
Peter:
