Melbourne Rebels have continued building towards their debut season with the signing of former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock.
Australia skipper joins new franchise
Melbourne Rebels have continued building towards their debut season with the high profile signing of former Australia captain Stirling Mortlock.
The Rebels, who have already signed England fly-half Danny Cipriani and Wales No.8 Gareth Delve, have agreed a three-year deal with the goal-kicking centre ahead of their inclusion in the expanded Super 15 in 2011.
The 32-year-old Mortlock has won 80 caps for the Wallabies, while he was the first player to pass 1,000 points in Super Rugby.
"Stirling is yet another addition to our growing team of players with strong leadership skills," said Rebels coach Rod Macqueen, who had handed Mortlock his first Australia call-up for the tour to Argentina in 1997.
"The opportunity to play out his career in Melbourne, and not overseas, is great for both Australian rugby and Stirling as he helps us build the foundations of the new club."
Mortlock has also agreed a new deal with the Australian Rugby Union as he looks to win back his place in the Wallabies squad ahead of the 2011 World Cup.