Luke Rooney has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Rebels after Worcester agreed to release the full-back.
Melbourne agree deal with Worcester for full-back
Luke Rooney has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne Rebels after Worcester agreed to release the full-back.
The Warriors had announced the signing of the 27-year-old from Toulon in the spring, with Rooney, who holds a British passport, hoping to use the move to force his way into the England set-up.
However with Worcester losing their fight against relegation from the Guinness Premiership, the Australian decided to reassess his options.
The Rebels have now agreed a deal with the Warriors over Rooney's contract - with the cross-code convert set to return to Australia, where he played rugby league for Penrith and New South Wales.
And Rooney is now refusing to rule out playing for the Wallabies should he impress in the Super 15.
Experience
"I was keen to come home and have a crack at Super Rugby because it's the best competition in the world," said Rooney.
"And it's going to get better next year with the Rebels coming on board.
"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."
