Rebels snap up League convert Rooney
Tue, 29 Jun 2010 09:03
Heading home: Toulon fullback Luke Rooney
Former Rugby League international Luke Rooney said Tuesday he will return to Australia from France to join new Super 15 side Melbourne Rebels, making him eligible for Wallabies selection.
Rooney, 27, who has signed a two-year deal, has been playing for French club Toulon since switching codes in 2008, scoring five tries in 16 games as a fullback.
He was considering a move to England's Worcester Warriors, but said their relegation from the premier league allowed him to rethink his options.
"I was keen to come home and I was keen to have a crack at Super Rugby, because it's the best competition in the world and it's going to get better next year with the Rebels coming on board," Rooney said.
Rooney represented New South Wales at State of Origin level on the wing and played for Australia's national side the Kangaroos six times during his League career.
"Of course it would be great to play for the Wallabies, but I've got so much work to do before I can think of getting there," he said of national selection in his new code.
"My focus when I return home will be getting myself ready for the Super Rugby season next year."
His move comes a day after former Rugby League international centre Mark Gasnier turned down an approach from the Rebels, instead confirming his return to league with St George Illawarra.
A number of former Wallabies have signed to the Rebels for their inaugural season, including skipper Stirling Mortlock, Mark Gerrard and Rodney Blake, as well as England flyhalf Danny Cipriani and flank Michael Lipman.
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