Super Rugby
Melbourne Rebels sign Dom Shipperley
ESPN Staff
June 19, 2014

Melbourne Rebels have signed their second outside back in as many days with Dom Shipperley signing a two-year contract to join the club at the conclusion of the 2014 Super Rugby season. The Rebels announced the capture of Cam Crawford from New South Wales Waratahs on Wednesday, having previously signed Mike Harris from Queensland Reds and Australia Under-20 fullback Jonah Prentice.

The Reds' Dom Shipperley celebrates his try, Queensland Reds v Crusaders, Super Rugby, Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane, May 11, 2014
Dom Shipperley has scored 13 tries in 43 Super Rugby starts © Getty Images
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Shipperley has made 43 Super Rugby appearances for the Queensland Reds, including nine this season, scoring 13 tries, and Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said his move to Melbourne was a sign of intent from the franchise.

"We are absolutely delighted to secure Dom's signature," McGahan said. "To sign a quality player like Dom, a Wallaby and a very experienced Super Rugby player with the ability to influence games, is fantastic. As well, he is a quality person; it's a huge signing for the Club, and a great player for our members to be watching come next season."

Shipperley, who won three Wallabies cap during the 2012 Rugby Championship, will join 2011 Reds Super Rugby-winning team-mates Scott Higginbotham and Harris in Melbourne, and McGahan believes those friendships will be important.

"Dom's relationships with Scott and Mike would certainly have played some part in his decision, along with a number of other factors," McGahan said. "Dom is a very intelligent guy who would have thought very deeply about the direction of his career, and his next contract. Coming into a new environment and proving himself by earning the respect of a new playing group and coaching staff would have come into play, and Dom has made the choice that he believes is best for him."

McGahan said Shipperley's "finishing ability is great".

"He is strong and athletic, and able to carry the ball well into close contact. His aerial work is strong, and those skills will help make the wing position down here in Melbourne a highly competitive position. Dom will certainly put his best foot forward and we are looking forward to him coming down here and getting started."

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