Former All-Black joins new US league

San Francisco - Mils Muliaina, a Samoan-born fullback who earned 100 caps for New Zealand, has signed with the new PRO Rugby North America league and will play for San Francisco.

The five-team league, which kicks off its first season on April 17, announced the signing on its Facebook page. San Francisco will compete against San Diego, Sacramento, Denver and Ohio in the opening campaign.

"I'm delighted and looking forward to being part of rugby history in the States," said Muliaina.

The 35-year-old was a member of the All Blacks team that won the 2011 World Cup while winning the Tri-Nations six times and three IRB Sevens titles.

He played more than 100 Super Rugby matches for the Auckland Blues and Waikato Chiefs, helping the Blues to the 2003 title, and played the past two seasons for Connacht and Zebre in the Celtic League.

"He has a terrific track record and we are sure he will bring great knowledge and experience," said PRO Rugby director Steve Lewis.