Worcester Warriors have signed Toulon's Luke Rooney as a replacement for outgoing full-back Chris Latham.
The 26-year-old former Australia rugby league international converted to Union and moved to big-spending Toulon in 2008
Rooney will join Worcester in the summer, and is an ideal substitute for Latham, according to Worcester Director of rugby Mike Ruddock. "He is a big strong full-back with a massive boot, the nearest I have seen to someone who plays like Latham.
Ruddock was impressed by Rooney's performance in the Amlin Challenge Cup match with Saracens in October. He contined: "Then I looked at a number of other games, and it became obvious he is a very talented player.
And Rooney admits the challage of helping Worcester - Amlin Challenge Cup runners up in 2008 - become a major force.
"Looking around Sixways, it's clear how much ambition there is for the club to become one of Europe's leading teams.
"I now look forward to making the move, getting out on the field and pulling on a Worcester jersey for the first time."