Super Rugby
Rebels snare Waratah Freier
Scrum.com
April 6, 2010
Waratahs hooker Adam Freier passes during training at Moore Park, Sydney, December 14, 2009
Adam Freier has joined the Melbourne Rebellion © Getty Images
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The Melbourne Rebels' recruitment drive has continued with the signing of Waratahs hooker Adam Freier.

The former Wallabies No.2, 30, has set his sights on the Rugby World Cup in 2011 after agreeing terms with the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) and the Rebels until the 2012 season.

Although he is currently out of action with a back problem Freier brings a wealth of experience to the expanding squad in Melbourne, having played 87 Super Rugby games and won 25 Test caps. He began his career under Rebels boss Rod Macqueen at the Brumbies and is excited to work with him again.

"It was no accident that Rod formed a great culture at the Brumbies," Freier said. "I was one of the young players that benefited from that culture. To now have the opportunity to help build one, with Rod - well that's something any player would love to be a part of."

Having joined fellow Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Sam Cordingley, as well as England fly-half Danny Cipriani and Wales No.8 Gareth Delve, in Melbourne Freier admitted that his ambition to again play for Australia was a deciding factor in turning down offers from Europe.

"I still have a burning aspiration to play in the green and gold," he said. "If I didn't I would probably have gone to Europe. Over the last two years, when forced to sit on the sidelines, my passion for the game has increased, not waned. "My ambition to play for the Wallabies again cannot be measured."

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