Rugby: McAlister signs with North Harbour

Returning All Blacks five-eighth Luke McAlister has signed with North Harbour and will play his Super 14 rugby for the Blues next year, it was reported yesterday.

It ends speculation McAlister may have ended up at the Hurricanes, who made strong overtures, after the former international announced his decision to return home from England, where he has played since 2007.

It is understood that McAlister has already signed with his former union North Harbour, meaning the Blues will get first call on his services.

McAlister is due back in New Zealand at the end of the English domestic season next month.

The New Zealand Rugby Union last week relaxed its eligibility criteria to enable McAlister to be available for selection for the Tri-Nations series against South Africa and Australia, starting in July.

He will only play in the earlier home series against France and Italy in June if current contenders are ruled out by injury.

McAlister has been playing for English club Sale for the past two seasons and, under NZRU rules, a player cannot be eligible for the All Blacks unless he has played in the preceding Super 14 or Air NZ Cup domestic season. But he signed a contract with the NZRU in February until 2012 and has been granted an exemption.

- NZPA