Hawke's Bay have snared former Kangaroos league winger Luke Rooney for the upcoming provincial rugby season.
The Hawke's Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) confirmed Rooney's signing today for the ITM Cup competition, which starts for the Magpies with a tough opener against Canterbury in Christchurch on July 30.
The HBRU were one of the bidders for Sonny Bill Williams, who eventually signed with Canterbury, but have instead picked up his former Toulon teammate.
Rooney, 27, played 140 National Rugby League (NRL) matches for Penrith, as well as five State of Origin matches for New South Wales and six tests for Australia in 2004-05.
He joined Toulon in 2008 and played 16 matches for the French club. He recently signed with new Super 15 franchise the Melbourne Rebels for next season.
"Luke has an impressive pedigree in both rugby league and rugby union and will add real star quality to our ITM Cup squad. His ability to play cover centre, wing or full back will considerably enhance our squad for 2010," Magpies co-coach Peter Russell said in a statement.
