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NZ rugby league star Kata signs for Brumbies

Sydney - Tonga and New Zealand rugby league international Solomone Kata has made a switch to rugby union, signing a three-year deal with the Brumbies.

The exciting back, who scored 45 tries in 93 matches for the New Zealand Warriors before moving to Melbourne Storm, adds depth to a Brumbies side that will be missing playmaker Christian Lealiifano when the new season starts.

The Wallabies star will ply his trade overseas next year, joining a Brumbies exodus that also includes David Pocock, Sam Carter and Rory Arnold.

"What attracted us to Solomone is that he is a point of difference player with a physical profile to add to our squad," said Brumbies coach Dan McKellar late on Wednesday.

"He is a very powerful and dynamic footballer who has the ability to stress any defensive line."

Kata initially moved to New Zealand from Tonga on a rugby union scholarship but was snapped up by the Warriors.

He has been capped six times by Tonga and five by New Zealand and likened by some to Ngani Laumape, who played for the Warriors before moving to rugby union and then forcing his way into the All Blacks squad.

The Super Rugby season kicks off in late January, with the Brumbies facing the Reds first up.

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