Stirling Mortlock will lead the Melbourne Rebels © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Gareth Delve | Stirling Mortlock

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Teams: Australia | Melbourne Rebels | Rebels

Former Australia skipper Stirling Mortlock has been confirmed as the inaugural captain of the Melbourne Rebels.

The 33-year-old, who led Australia in 29 Tests and at the 2007 Rugby World Cup, will be assisted by former Wales No.8 and Gloucester skipper Gareth Delve, who has been named vice captain.

"It's a unique challenge, but one I'm looking forward to," Mortlock said."For us as a group we want to be competitive and do Melbourne proud both on and off the field."

Mortlock, who has battled a serious back injury in the past few seasons, made his first appearance in a Rebels jersey during the club's 42-27 victory over Fiji in Ballarat last Saturday.

Coach Rod Macqueen has been pleased with Mortlock's progress since off-season surgery and backed him to lead from the front during the club's first Super campaign.

"He's got a new lease of life. He's been playing injured for a couple of years, so for him to have the operation and then come back from that by getting his strength and fitness back, hopefully we've got the new model," Macqueen said.

"One of the things a coach looks for is people who are going to be in the side regularly, as we said from day one it's been really important who our leaders were going to be and we've put a great deal of thought into picking the right people.

"Both are held in very high esteem and are good people in their own right. Stirling's commitment to Melbourne and the Rebels has been fantastic and Gareth has the respect of the team."

The Rebels complete their trial campaign against seven-time Super Rugby champions the Crusaders at AAMI Park on Saturday, their final hit-out before hosting the Waratahs in their first Super Rugby match on February 18.