YORK City Knights have lost another of their prized forward pack - Russ Spiers rejoining Doncaster.

The 25-year-old, who signed for York from League One rivals Donny 12 months ago, has penned a one-year deal back at the Keepmoat Stadium, and follows fellow prop Jack Aldous, loose-forward Mike Emmett, and star hooker Kriss Brining out of the exit door.

It is thought he had been on York's wish list should the proposed takeover of the club get finalised in time to secure the club's future and place in next year's competition.

He played 23 games for the Knights, scoring five tries.

Spiers said: “I was at Doncaster for a few years and know all the coaching and backroom staff, and a lot of the players.

“It’s a great club with good facilities, and such a close-knit team. I’m looking forward to it.”

Spiers becomes coach Gary Thornton’s fourth signing for 2017 campaign, following Iafeta Paleaaesina, Charlie Martin and Jack Martin. And he believes that recruitment stands the Dons in good stead as they again target promotion.

He added: “We should be up there, definitely. We’ve made a few top signings, the biggest one being Feka Paleaaesina from Hull. It’s a tough league, but we’re definitely good enough to fight for promotion.”

Dons chief executive Carl Hall said: “It’s great to have Russ back. He is one we didn’t want to lose last season. Russ is a very tough durable player with a fantastic work ethic.

"He was a standout player for York last season and one they wanted to retain so we welcome Russ back to the Dons with open arms."