Melbourne - Young Wallaby star James O'Connor has signed to play the next two Super Rugby seasons with the Melbourne Rebels, the club said on Saturday.
O'Connor, 20, quit the Western Force last Wednesday after negotiations over a new contract broke down.
One of Australian rugby's hottest properties, O'Connor will link up with fellow Wallaby young gun Kurtley Beale at the Rebels next season.
O'Connor's move to Melbourne became official on Saturday when the Australian Rugby Union announced he had formally signed a contract with the ARU and the Rebels.
"James is one of the most promising talents in world rugby and we are delighted that he is joining the Rebels," the club's chief operating officer Steve Boland said.
"We are in the process of building a culture that will help us achieve our goals both on and off the field."
The Rebels also announced the signing of Western Force centre Mitch Inman to a two-year deal and have also re-signed New Zealand hooker Ged Robinson for a further two years.
The Melbourne club won three games and finished last overall in their debut Super Rugby season.
O'Connor, 20, quit the Western Force last Wednesday after negotiations over a new contract broke down.
One of Australian rugby's hottest properties, O'Connor will link up with fellow Wallaby young gun Kurtley Beale at the Rebels next season.
O'Connor's move to Melbourne became official on Saturday when the Australian Rugby Union announced he had formally signed a contract with the ARU and the Rebels.
"James is one of the most promising talents in world rugby and we are delighted that he is joining the Rebels," the club's chief operating officer Steve Boland said.
"We are in the process of building a culture that will help us achieve our goals both on and off the field."
The Rebels also announced the signing of Western Force centre Mitch Inman to a two-year deal and have also re-signed New Zealand hooker Ged Robinson for a further two years.
The Melbourne club won three games and finished last overall in their debut Super Rugby season.