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Melbourne - Welsh forward Gareth Delve has turned down a chance to join French club Toulon to sign on for a further season with Australian Super Rugby team, the Melbourne Rebels.
Delve was linked with a move to Toulon in the French Top 14 competition, but has decided to stay in Melbourne for the 2013 Super Rugby season, the club said on Sunday.
Delve, who is the first Welshman to play Super Rugby, has played 28 games for the Rebels, scoring four tries.
"I am thrilled to sign on for another year," Delve said in a club statement.
"I believe this club is moving in the right direction and now I can continue to be a part of that.
"There was always an element of risk associated with the move, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in Melbourne.
"From a rugby perspective, playing against the world's best week in and week out has been great for the development of my game."
Rebels chief executive Steven Boland welcomed Delve's re-signing as a coup for the Rebels.
"Over the past two years Gareth has shown what a fantastic player and wonderful ambassador he is for our club," Boland said.
"His leadership has also been outstanding and given the upcoming retirement of our captain Stirling Mortlock, Gareth will once again be an important part of our leadership group next year."
