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The Melbourne Rebels’ signing spree has continued, with ex-Western Force Test players Matt Philip, Billy Meakes and Richard Hardwick joining the Super Rugby club.
Philip enjoyed a breakout season for the Force in 2017, playing ten games and starting all but two on the field. A little under two weeks ago, he made his international debut for the Wallabies after coming on for Adam Coleman in the second half against Japan.
Sydney-born Meakes played most of his club rugby for Gloucester between 2014 and 2016. In 45 appearances for the Cherry and Whites, the centre crossed the line five teams.
He signed for the Force in 2016 and made 14 starts last season, finishing first at the club for tackle busts.
Hardwick, on the other hand, started in every game for the former Super Rugby franchise in 2017 and was notorious for his ability to force penalties.
He made his Wallabies debut in June against Fiji.
Former New Zealand junior international five-eighth Tayler Adams was also announced as a new recruit on Thursday.
Wallabies Philip, Hardwick and Meakes will reunite with their Western Force coach David Wessels in Melbourne until the end of the 2019 season.
“We’re delighted to have Matt, Dickie (Richard) and Billy join us,” Wessels said.
“All three of them work incredibly hard and want to be part of the Wallabies team at the next World Cup. They’ll be a great addition to our squad both on and off-field.”
– With AAP