The new Super Rugby team the Melbourne Rebels have signed the former Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock on a three year deal.
The veteran of 80 Tests has also agreed to extend his international career for another year in the hope of playing in next year's World Cup in New Zealand.
After 13 successful seasons with the Brumbies, 32 year old Mortlock had been thinking of joining an overseas club. But his old coach Rod Macqueen convinced him of the benefits of a shorter move across the border, which is expected to see him made the Rebels foundation Super 15 captain.
Mortlock is the Rebels' 10th signing.
