Rooney joins the Rebel ranks

Melbourne Rebels has signed its 28th recruit with the announcement today that dynamic back, Luke Rooney will return to Australia from France for the 2011 Super rugby season.

A former Australian rugby league winger, 27 year old Rooney played six times for the Kangaroos before switching codes in 2008 to join Toulon where he scored five tries in 16 games during his first season of Top 14 French Championship rugby.

After playing alongside England fly-half Jonny Wilkinson and fellow convert, Sonny Bill Williams, Rooney can't wait to test himself against the best in Super Rugby.

"I was keen to come home and 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 from France.

"It was an experience I really wanted to have and to see where it may take me. I'll be concentrating on playing my very best rugby for the Rebels. After that who knows?

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. My focus when I return home will be getting myself ready for the Super Rugby season next year."

Commenting on Rooney's commitment to the Rebels, Director of Coaching Rod Macqueen said, "Luke expressed great interest in returning to Australia and playing for the Rebels. He's got the speed, strength and size to be a great back in rugby. I believe he is going to be a wonderful asset for the Rebels."