The Melbourne Rebels have signed their first local player from the Victorian competition with centre Sefanaia Naivalu joining the Super rugby club on a two-year deal.
Naivalu, who is a product of the Box Hill club, has made the most of his opportunity with the unbeaten Melbourne Rising in the National Rugby Competition.
After top-scoring with Box Hill with 17 tries in the Dewar Shield competition, the 22-year-old has started every game for the Rising.
The Fijian has scored four tries in their three games.
Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said it was a great result for Naivalu and the Victorian rugby community.
“There have been a lot of people from the game locally who have supported rugby for many years to give players, like Sefa, the opportunity to fulfil a dream,” McGahan said.
“The hard work begins now as he looks to take his ability to the next level under this Rebels program.”