Welsh forward Gareth Delve has become the Melbourne Rebels’second international recruitment ahead of their debut Super 15 season next year.
Officials announced late Sunday that Delve, the Gloucester captain, will join England flyhalf Danny Cipriani at the Rebels.
“The opportunity to test myself alongside the best players in world rugby in a competition I have grown up admiring was one I couldn’t refuse,” Delve said in a statement.
“I am delighted to join the Melbourne Rebels for their entrance into Super Rugby in 2011.”
Delve, 27, who has played 11 times for Wales, said one of the key factors in his decision to move to Melbourne was the opportunity to work with Australian World Cup-winning coach Rod Macqueen.
“For Rod Macqueen to come out of retirement, this must be something special,” he said.
“The chance to be involved with the building of a club from the ground up has great appeal. I’m looking forward to it immensely.”
Delve said he was happy to be reuniting with Melbourne Rebels forwards coach Mark Bakewell, who coached the number eight in his final year at Bath Rugby in 2007.
Officials said Delve was expected to arrive in September ahead of the 2011 Super 15 season kickoff next February. — AFP