The Melbourne Rebels have continued their signing spree with young NSW Waratahs back-rower Lopeti Timani joining the Super Rugby side.
Timani has penned a two-year deal with the Rebels.
The 22-year-old played in all but two of the Waratahs’ games last season but has had limited game time this year.
The Rebels announced on the weekend Wallabies backrower Scott Higginbotham had re-signed, while young locks Hugh Pyle and Cadeyrn Neville inked new deals last week.
“At only 22, Lopeti is a player with enormous potential,” said Rebels coach Damien Hill.
“He has played both No.8 and blindside flanker over the past two seasons and, at such a young age, will only continue to develop.”
Lopeti is the younger brother of Test star Sitaleki.
ScrumJunkie
Guest
The rebels should be chasing Aussie Mike Harris, they desperately need a replacement for Sidey. He tries hard, but doesn't have the skills, and is caught out defensively. Mitchell isn't a 12 either. If you don't have confidence in JOC at 12, buy one!
allblackfan
Guest
Mixed news for Rebels Rebels have lost Ged Robinson; gone back to Hawkes Bay and chasing NZ franchise spot next year. Hawkes Bay also signing 2014 Rebels prop Max Lahiff from London Irish for ITM Cup this year! http://www.hawkesbaytoday.co.nz/news/signings-boost-magpies-front-row/1855077/
Mark Richmond
Roar Guru
He'll be starting for the Brumbies next year when Dan Palmer leaves for France. :-)
jameswm
Roar Guru
Nah McCaffrey's no better than McCutcheon.
Justin2
Guest
Tala Grey according to the Australian.
mania
Guest
wow what a shame. guess aru spent all their money on folau
Working Class Rugger
Roar Guru
Has signed with Montpellier for three years.
mania
Guest
yeah does anyone know whats happening to sitaleki?
Bakkies
Guest
Tom McVerry? He has been away a while.
Bakkies
Guest
That sums up the Rebels recruitment from Day 1. Stock pile positions and leave others short.
Johnno
Guest
Good buy for the rebels, he will get some quality game time down there. Good rotation for him and Higger's to rotate during the season.
Rockin Rod
Guest
Tala Gray???? Tahs should sign Locky McCaffrey
CizzyRascal
Roar Guru
Timani offers the power ball carrier, that is so useful at Super Rugby and is something that would add a different bow to the Rebels that they have not had yet up to this point.
RebelRanger
Guest
Inside word has it that the Waratahs have actually signed a Melbourne product who is returning from overseas.
Markus
Guest
Don't see Vaea leaving the Brumbies if he gets back to playing again. With Faingaa off to the Rebels and Smith back to Japan at the end of this season, he should get plenty of game time next year in rotation with Mowen, Pocock and Auelua.
Justin2
Guest
Afree some others, back rowers aren't an issue front rowers is a huge issue.
Rebel
Guest
Saw his birth date as 1993
jameswm
Roar Guru
Lopeti has McCutcheon ahead of him at the Tahs. God do the Tahs need another backrower. Vaea maybe? Surely AJ Gilbert is better back row cover than McCutcheon?
nickoldschool
Roar Guru
Hope the bro stays in Oz too.
Red Kev
Guest
Jones is a second rower IMO not a blindside