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Cape Town - The Melbourne Rebels have announced that they have secured the signature of Wallaby lock Adam Coleman until the end of the 2019 Super Rugby season.
The 26-year-old has committed to Australian rugby until the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan after he put pen to paper on a two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia.
“I’m excited to get down to Melbourne and join up with the boys," Coleman told the Rebels' official website.
"They have made some great signings, that have nicely added to the talented guys that are already there.
“There’s a nice balance of experience and some great young players, so we’ll be aiming to give Super Rugby a good shake next year.
“Obviously Dave (Wessels) was a big factor, but I definitely wanted to stay in Australian Rugby. I love playing in the Gold jersey for the Wallabies and I think we’re building something special for the 2019 Rugby World Cup.”
Coleman’s much-anticipated addition is a significant boost to the Rebels’ pack and will bring leadership and a wealth of experience to the club’s second row.
He boasts 20 Test caps for the Wallabies since his debut against England in Sydney in 2016 and 48 Super Rugby games following his debut in 2013.
The Tasmania-native was nominated for Rugby Australia’s 2017 Super Rugby Player of the Year, the award claimed by his new Rebels team-mate Amanaki Mafi.
“We’re thrilled that Adam has committed to the Melbourne Rebels for the next two years and I’m sure the Rebel Army share in our excitement as we build towards 2018,” said Melbourne Rebels head coach David Wessels.
“Adam is a special player with a huge future ahead of him for the Wallabies and Rebels.
“He’s grown a lot as a player, individual and leader over the last couple of years but I think he’s still got so much potential to become the best lock in World Rugby.
“We’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us but I think Adam will significantly contribute to the future success of Australian rugby, with the Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels, for many years to come.”
Coleman’s inclusion finalises the Rebels forwards ahead of the 2018 Super Rugby season.
