Blues utility back Luke McAlister signed by French Top 14 Champions Toulouse – Rugby update
2010/11 French Top14 champions Toulouse have signed the All Blacks international and New Zealand conference Super Rugby franchise Blues utility back player Luke McAlister on a new three-year deal.
Blues have confirmed the departure of their star utility back and their 2011 Super Rugby championships top scorer Luke McAlister to the French club Toulouse. McAlister has scored 121 points for Blues in Super XV that includes 20 conversions, 26 penalties
and a drop goal.
McAlister will join the Top 14 winners at the end of his 2011 Rugby World Cup commitments.
Blues head coach, Pat Lam, has expressed disappointment on losing a player of McAlister’s caliber. He further added, “Luke performed well for Sale and it was no secret there has been interest in him for quite some time – particularly from Toulouse. When
Luke and his family head off to France, they will be missed by the Blues but go with our best wishes.”
The 27-year-old McAlister started his professional senior rugby career with his provincial side North Harbour in 2002. He made his Super Rugby debut for Blues in 2004 and remained with them before his departure to the Aviva Premiership side Sale Sharks
at the end of the 2007 Super Rugby season.
McAlister has thanked the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), Blues management, coaching staff and players for their support and friendship. He added that he has enjoyed his season with the Blues and he is glad that he has played an important role in team’s
performance in the season.
McAlister said, “I'm extremely grateful to the NZRU, The Blues and North Harbour for the support they have shown me during my time in New Zealand. Being involved with these teams is truly something special, definitely life-changing, and the experiences and
friendships will last forever.”
Waitara born McAlister returned to the Blues at the end of the 2009/10 Aviva Premiership season. He has so far made 45 appearances for Blues and scored 345 points including 5 tries, 64 conversions, and 63 penalties.
All Blacks international McAlister has expressed his satisfaction on his new contract. He said, “The opportunity to play French rugby and live in France with my partner and children will be something totally different to what we're all used to, but it will
be an exciting new chapter in our lives.”
Besides playing for the New Zealand national rugby union’s senior team, McAlister has also represented the All Blacks at Under-19 level, New Zealand Maori and Colts. He was also awarded International Rugby Board’s Under-19 Player of the Year award in 2002.
McAlister made his international debut in 2005 against the touring British and Irish Lions. He has made 30 international appearances for All Blacks and scored 153 points that includes seven tries.
McAlister three-year deal will allow him with the flexibility to return to the NZRU to give him a chance to earn a selection in the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
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