Rugby
AAP 6y

Isi Naisarani signs with Melbourne Rebels as Wallabies call-up nears

Rugby, Super Rugby

"I'm really excited to get down to Melbourne and team up with Dave at the Rebels," he said. "He's had a big impact on me, and helping me to improve as a player."

Naisarani said playing in the World Cup for Australia was also a big motivation.

"The World Cup in Japan is a big dream of mine and obviously to pull on that gold jersey would be something very special," Naisarani said.

The hard-running No.8 came through the Brisbane club system and National Rugby Championship before getting his first taste of Super Rugby in Perth, where he won the best and fairest award.

Rebels coach Wessels was delighted to reunite with Naisarani. "He made a real impression straight away at the Western Force in his first year of Super Rugby, which is no easy feat," Wessels said. "He adds a real touch of x-factor and versatility in the back-row and we think he'll compliment the strength of our forward pack."

Mafi and Timani are both set to leave the Rebels after a disappointing end to the Super Rugby season. As well as Melbourne crashing out of finals contention the pair were involved in a late night altercation in Dunedin last weekend with Mafi arrested and charged with injuring with intent to injure.

Timani is due to move to France by the end of the week to link up with La Rochelle while Japan international Mafi is set to play with Top League club the NTT Shining Arcs.

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