Brumby to run wild in Waikato

[AndyS]

From http://www.rugby365.com/news/2444800.htm
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Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano will become a Mooloo man for the 2010 National Provincial Championship in New Zealand.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Auckland, will arrive in Hamilton early next month to embark on a "one-off" campaign with Waikato.

"It is a unique opportunity to have a proven, quality Super 14 player from outside our region wanting to play for Waikato," Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said.

"He is keen to carry on his good Super rugby form into our national provincial rugby competition.

"Christian is a skilful player, and he is the type of guy who I'm sure will help inspire a lot of young players in our squad."

Lealiifano played six Super 14 games for the Brumbies this season before being sidelined with a knee injury.

He is now recovered from the rupture to his posterior cruciate and will be fully fit for the NPC campaign which kicks off at the end of July.

He has played 28 Super 14 games for the Brumbies, scored 41 points - made up of seven tries, and two drop-goals.



The union also confirmed earlier reports that Waikato and Chiefs lock Kevin O'Neill has signed with the new Super 15 franchise, the Melbourne Rebels.

The 2.01m lock has played one Test for the All Blacks, a total of 20 games for the Mooloos and 32 matches for the Chiefs. He was also a former Canterbury and Crusaders player with 40 and 13 games respectively for each team.

In 2008, O'Neill played one Test match for the All Blacks.

O'Neill, 28, will not be available for the 2010 NPC for Waikato.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes says: "We are sorry to be losing such an experienced forward from our province, however, we are aware that comes with the territory in professional rugby. Kevin has been a great performer for Waikato and will be missed.

"With selection for the Waikato team coming up in July, there is certainly an opportunity for new up and coming locks to make an impression."

[Burgs]

Interesting precident.

[TOCC]

they have done it before, last year with Matt Toomua, he played in the Currie Cup with Western Province

Reds also negotiated a deal for James Hanson to play with West Harbour in the NPC last year

[mudskipper]

This will be good for Christian Lealiifano. I heard Waikato will likely use him in a fullback role. Nice to see him back after a long injury period...

[jargan83]

Interesting precident.

Didn't the Force try to do something similar in 2006 before the ARU torpedoed it?

[Burgs]

That would be the point Jargs.
Nice thread trawl mudguts.

[mudskipper]

the Western Province experience really helped Toomua's development.