ITM Cup
Rooney heading to Hawke's Bay
Scrum.com
July 7, 2010
Toulon's Luke Rooney looks for an opening, Toulon v Castres Olympique, European Challenge Cup, Stade Felix Mayol, Toulon, France, January 23, 2010
Luke Rooney will join Hawke's Bay © Getty Images
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Hawke's Bay have secured a transfer coup in the build-up to the new ITM Cup season with the signing of Luke Rooney.

The former Kangaroos league international will play for the Melbourne Rebels in next season's Super 15, having turned his back on a switch to relegated Guinness Premiership side Worcester after leaving Toulon in June, but will squeeze in a season in New Zealand prior to that.

The fullback's signing has been confirmed by the Hawke's Bay Rugby Union (HBRU), who were in the running to sign Rooney's former Toulon team-mate Sonny Bill Williams. Williams has since thrown his lot in with Canterbury, who take on the Magpies in this season's opening round in Christchurch on July 30.

"Luke has an impressive pedigree in both rugby league and rugby union and will add real star quality to our ITM Cup squad," Magpies co-coach Peter Russell said. "His ability to cover centre, wing or full back will considerably enhance our squad for 2010."

Hawke's Bay finished third in last season's competition, losing 20-3 to eventual champions Canterbury in the semi-final.

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