And Bush, the team's former managing partner, defended the Rangers' recent decision to let former Red Sox starting pitcher Aaron Sele sign with the Seattle Mariners, a division rival.

CNN: NHPrimary.com: Bush learns the joys of retail politics

Somerville is the latest in a stream of All Blacks players to sign contracts with European clubs, with the likes of Aaron Mauger, Carl Hayman, Doug Howlett, Chris Jack, Byron Kelleher, Rico Gear and Luke McAlister all leaving New Zealand.

BBC: Gloucester sign Kiwi Somerville