Carney switches codes - again

Former Wigan and Great Britain winger Brian Carney is to make a shock return to Super League after agreeing terms with Warrington.

Carney, who will turn 33 next month, has not played league since winning the last of his 14 Great Britain caps in the 2006 Tri-Nations series in Australia and New Zealand.

He has spent the last two years in rugby union with Munster but is to link up with the Wolves when his contract with the Irish Rugby Union officially expires at the end of the month.

Warrington coach Tony Smith said: "I am really excited by the prospect of getting to work with Brian. He's a championship player and his experience and know-how will be a real asset to the squad."

Carney switched to rugby league from Gaelic football in his native Ireland after being spotted by Gateshead playing for a Dublin student team in 1999.

He played a season for Hull following their merger with Gateshead and spent five successful seasons with Wigan before joining Newcastle Knights in 2006.

However, he cut short his stay in Australia to switch rugby codes with Munster and was a member of Ireland's World Cup squad. Carney's last appearance for Munster was in a pre-season friendly last August.

"I'm really looking forward to a new challenge with Warrington and hope I can add something to their game," he said.

"I'd like to thank the players and everyone involved in Munster for their time and efforts. I enjoyed my time there."

Carney will be eligible to play for Warrington in their Challenge Cup semi-final against Wigan on August 8 because his signing was registered before last week's deadline.