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Waikato - One-Test All Black Kevin O'Neill is to join the new Australian side Melbourne Rebels for next year's expanded Super 15 series, his Waikato province announced on Saturday.
The 2.01m lock had played 32 Super 14 matches for the Chiefs after earlier appearing for the Crusaders.
"We are sorry to be losing such an experienced forward from our province, however we are aware that comes with the territory in professional rugby," Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said.
Melbourne have already signed former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock, England flyhalf Danny Cipriani and flank Michael Lipman, All Blacks prop Greg Somerville, Welsh forward Gareth Delve and former Wallabies' hooker Adam Freier.
The announcement of O'Neill's departure comes as Waikato revealed they had secured Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano to play for the province in New Zealand's domestic competition this season.
The New Zealand-born Lealiifano played six Super 14 games for the Brumbies this year before being sidelined with a knee injury.
The 2.01m lock had played 32 Super 14 matches for the Chiefs after earlier appearing for the Crusaders.
"We are sorry to be losing such an experienced forward from our province, however we are aware that comes with the territory in professional rugby," Waikato coach Chris Gibbes said.
Melbourne have already signed former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock, England flyhalf Danny Cipriani and flank Michael Lipman, All Blacks prop Greg Somerville, Welsh forward Gareth Delve and former Wallabies' hooker Adam Freier.
The announcement of O'Neill's departure comes as Waikato revealed they had secured Brumbies flyhalf Christian Lealiifano to play for the province in New Zealand's domestic competition this season.
The New Zealand-born Lealiifano played six Super 14 games for the Brumbies this year before being sidelined with a knee injury.
