Kendal's new signing flies in (From The Westmorland Gazette)

Kendal's new signing flies in

9:17am Friday 19th December 2008 in Sport By Gazette Sports

OVERSEAS signing Rob Aloe checked in at Kendal RUFC’s Mint Bridge ground this week - five months after he sealed the deal.

A visa delay has meant the accomplished fly-half/centre - a dual New Zealand and Samoa passport holder - has been forced to miss the opening part of Kendal’s National League 3 North season.

Rob, aged 27, hails from Wellington on New Zealand's North Island and plays for Northern United RFC in Wellington's Premiership.

He also turns out for Horowhenau Kapita, a representative side which recently qualified for the prestigious Lochore Cup final.

Rob scored 17 points in the semi-final victory, including a scintillating solo try from a scrum 25 metres out.

He is a strong, left-footed kicker with a 75 per cent success rate and comes highly regarded as a playmaker.

Hello...Aloe

Three seasons ago he had international trials for Manu Samoa and his New Zealand club coach has gone on record as rating him “the best fly-half in Wellington and district.”

It is not Rob’s first time playing in Britain - a few seasons ago he was attached to North Walsham in Norfolk in National 3 South.

Rob told the Gazette: “It’s been frustrating not being able to get here sooner, but I’ve been playing in New Zealand up to the end of October.

“Kendal looks like a club very much on the up and I'm keen to get some input out there on the field as soon as possible.”

Rob Aloe is greeted at the Kendal club by Club Chairman Dr Stephen Green and Coach Jon Nicholson.

Photo by Glen Gater. (DL8060GG09)