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Former All Blacks star Luke McAlister is to return to New Zealand and has signed with the New Zealand Rugby Union through until 2012, easing a significant problem area for national coach Graham Henry.
http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4862497a22363.html
McAlister, who left New Zealand rugby at the end of 2007 to play for English club Sale, will return to New Zealand at the end of the English Premiership season in May.
With star first five-eighths Dan Carter injured and a lack of depth at No 12, McAlister's return gives Henry a player who can help cover both positions.
He would need a special dispensation to play for the All Blacks in June and don't discount that given the present circumstances.
Current rules say a player must compete in a New Zealand competition before they are eligible for the All Blacks. That would mean McAlister playing in the Air New Zealand Cup and then making the All Blacks for the end of year tour.
But it would be a surprise for McAlister not to be rushed back through the system to be available for the June Iveco Series against Italy and France and the following Tri-Nations given the effort that has gone into securing his services again.
This is a significant coup for the New Zealand Rugby Union. It reverses the trend of losing major talent to offshore clubs. And it comes with a player who, at 25, is arguably in his prime.
All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith, delighted that the deal had been completed, said he was unaware of any dispensation being granted as yet but believed there had been a precedent.
"The key thing is that a young player is committing. He will be taking a big hit financially to make this decision but that shows the measure of his commitment to come back and play here," Smith told RadioSport.
"I think it's a positive sign for others around the world. It reverses the trend of players leaving and he is world class and he is at an age where he is still coming to his best.
"He has versatility. He has played mainly No 13 for Sale but he has played 12 internationally and he can play 10. Like everyone else he has to play well and nail his spot (in the All Blacks)."
McAlister had been fielding offers from England and France before deciding to bring his game home to New Zealand.
With 22 tests already under his belt, he has the potential to be a leading part of the next World Cup campaign.
That will clearly have been a motivating factor for McAlister after he was a central figure in the last World Cup failure, being sin-binned in the quarter-final loss to France.
Commenting from his home base in Manchester, McAlister said he was looking forward to coming home.
"The simple reason why I am leaving England and heading home is because I want to be closer to my family who are very important to me," said McAlister.
"The fact that I can continue my rugby career as well back in New Zealand is obviously fantastic as well and I appreciate being given the opportunity, but family comes first."
McAlister, who is currently recovering from a knee operation, said he felt he had developed as both a person and rugby player in England and was hoping to leave English club rugby on a high.
"We have a chance of having a crack at the top four (in the Premiership) and hopefully we can give the local fans, who have been great to me, a great end to the season."
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the NZRU negotiations with McAlister had stepped up over the last two weeks and the deal had only been finalised in the last 24 hours.
"This is very good news coming on the back of yesterday's announcement that we have re-signed Brendon Leonard, Andy Ellis and Stephen Brett.
"As all New Zealand and English rugby fans know, Luke is an incredibly talented rugby player and we are delighted that he has chosen to return home."
Mr Tew said while McAlister had signed with the NZRU, he was yet to decide on his provincial or Super 14 future and would discuss that on his return to New Zealand.
Given the Blues' shortages at No 10 and 12 it would surprise if he ventured far from his old home base. He played his previous Air New Zealand Cup rugby for North Harbour.
McAlister is one of the most versatile backs in the modern game who can play first five-eighth, second five-eight or centre and brings outstanding kicking skills to his game.
He made his All Blacks debut in 2005 in the third test against the touring British & Irish Lions and went on to play 22 tests, scoring 120 points, before heading to Europe at the end of 2007.
Great news, especially that DC is out, hope to see him back in Harbour Colours.
http://www.rugbyheaven.co.nz/4862497a22363.html
McAlister, who left New Zealand rugby at the end of 2007 to play for English club Sale, will return to New Zealand at the end of the English Premiership season in May.
With star first five-eighths Dan Carter injured and a lack of depth at No 12, McAlister's return gives Henry a player who can help cover both positions.
He would need a special dispensation to play for the All Blacks in June and don't discount that given the present circumstances.
Current rules say a player must compete in a New Zealand competition before they are eligible for the All Blacks. That would mean McAlister playing in the Air New Zealand Cup and then making the All Blacks for the end of year tour.
But it would be a surprise for McAlister not to be rushed back through the system to be available for the June Iveco Series against Italy and France and the following Tri-Nations given the effort that has gone into securing his services again.
This is a significant coup for the New Zealand Rugby Union. It reverses the trend of losing major talent to offshore clubs. And it comes with a player who, at 25, is arguably in his prime.
All Blacks backs coach Wayne Smith, delighted that the deal had been completed, said he was unaware of any dispensation being granted as yet but believed there had been a precedent.
"The key thing is that a young player is committing. He will be taking a big hit financially to make this decision but that shows the measure of his commitment to come back and play here," Smith told RadioSport.
"I think it's a positive sign for others around the world. It reverses the trend of players leaving and he is world class and he is at an age where he is still coming to his best.
"He has versatility. He has played mainly No 13 for Sale but he has played 12 internationally and he can play 10. Like everyone else he has to play well and nail his spot (in the All Blacks)."
McAlister had been fielding offers from England and France before deciding to bring his game home to New Zealand.
With 22 tests already under his belt, he has the potential to be a leading part of the next World Cup campaign.
That will clearly have been a motivating factor for McAlister after he was a central figure in the last World Cup failure, being sin-binned in the quarter-final loss to France.
Commenting from his home base in Manchester, McAlister said he was looking forward to coming home.
"The simple reason why I am leaving England and heading home is because I want to be closer to my family who are very important to me," said McAlister.
"The fact that I can continue my rugby career as well back in New Zealand is obviously fantastic as well and I appreciate being given the opportunity, but family comes first."
McAlister, who is currently recovering from a knee operation, said he felt he had developed as both a person and rugby player in England and was hoping to leave English club rugby on a high.
"We have a chance of having a crack at the top four (in the Premiership) and hopefully we can give the local fans, who have been great to me, a great end to the season."
NZRU CEO Steve Tew said the NZRU negotiations with McAlister had stepped up over the last two weeks and the deal had only been finalised in the last 24 hours.
"This is very good news coming on the back of yesterday's announcement that we have re-signed Brendon Leonard, Andy Ellis and Stephen Brett.
"As all New Zealand and English rugby fans know, Luke is an incredibly talented rugby player and we are delighted that he has chosen to return home."
Mr Tew said while McAlister had signed with the NZRU, he was yet to decide on his provincial or Super 14 future and would discuss that on his return to New Zealand.
Given the Blues' shortages at No 10 and 12 it would surprise if he ventured far from his old home base. He played his previous Air New Zealand Cup rugby for North Harbour.
McAlister is one of the most versatile backs in the modern game who can play first five-eighth, second five-eight or centre and brings outstanding kicking skills to his game.
He made his All Blacks debut in 2005 in the third test against the touring British & Irish Lions and went on to play 22 tests, scoring 120 points, before heading to Europe at the end of 2007.
Great news, especially that DC is out, hope to see him back in Harbour Colours.
