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Sydney - Long-standing Waratahs hooker Adam Freier has signed for new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels as he bids to break back into the national team, team officials said on Tuesday.
The 30-year-old, whose Wallabies ambitions have been frustrated by injury, will join the Rebels in their inaugural season next year in the hope of winning selection for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"I still have a burning aspiration to play in the green and gold," he said, referring to Australia's colours.
"If I didn't I would probably have gone to Europe. Over the last two years, when forced to sit on the sidelines, my passion for the game has increased, not waned."
Freier, who has been with the Waratahs since 2002, has played 25 games for his country but is currently nursing a back injury. A move to Europe would have ruled him out for Australia, which only selects home-based players.
Ex-Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock and England's Danny Cipriani have also signed for Melbourne under head coach Rod Macqueen.
The 30-year-old, whose Wallabies ambitions have been frustrated by injury, will join the Rebels in their inaugural season next year in the hope of winning selection for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
"I still have a burning aspiration to play in the green and gold," he said, referring to Australia's colours.
"If I didn't I would probably have gone to Europe. Over the last two years, when forced to sit on the sidelines, my passion for the game has increased, not waned."
Freier, who has been with the Waratahs since 2002, has played 25 games for his country but is currently nursing a back injury. A move to Europe would have ruled him out for Australia, which only selects home-based players.
Ex-Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock and England's Danny Cipriani have also signed for Melbourne under head coach Rod Macqueen.
