Former Wallaby hooker joins Rebels from England

Melbourne - The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed former Wallabies, Brumbies and Western Force hooker, Nathan Charles, as the their new mid-season signing.

Charles, 29, arrives in Melbourne from English Premiership club, Bath, and is expected to bolster the squad’s hooker stocks in light of injury to Jordan Uelese (arm) and incumbent Sama Malolo, who will return to international duties with the Junior Wallabies to compete in the Oceania Rugby U20s Championships.

Charles brings huge Super Rugby experience to the Rebels. After being signed to the ACT Brumbies in 2008, the Sydney native relocated to Perth to make his top-flight debut in 2010, making 86 Super Rugby appearances for the Western Force.

In 2014, he made his Test debut for the Wallabies against France, coming off the bench for Stephen Moore, and has four Test caps.

The Rebels' general manager of rugby, Nick Ryan, said he looked forward to the experienced Charles making an impact at his third Super Rugby club.

“We are fortunate to add an experienced player like Nathan to our squad mid-season and we look forward to him adding depth and competition in our hooking ranks,” Ryan said.

“We have identified our set piece work as an area of improvement. We see Nathan being a great acquisition in support of Anaru (Rangi), and in the absence of Jordan and Sama.”

The Rebels host eight-time Super Rugby champions, the Crusaders in Melbourne on Friday.

Kick-off is at 11:45 (SA time).