Kurtley Beale trains with Waratahs team-mates on the day his move to Melbourne is announced © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Kurtley Beale | Nick Phipps | Hugh Pyle

Tournaments/Tours: Super Rugby

Teams: Australia | Melbourne Rebels | Rebels

Kurtley Beale's move to the Melbourne Rebels has been confirmed, with the new franchise expressing delight at capturing the Wallabies fullback.

Reports emerged on Wednesday suggesting the Waratahs star was heading south and so it proved as Beale, 22, agreed to a lucrative two-year deal thought to be worth up to A$1million per season including Wallabies bonuses and third-party payments.

Beale's value has skyrocketed in the past year as he has established himself as the regular No. 15 for his country with some dynamic and match-winning displays. The Melbourne deal also confirms Beale's commitment to the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) until 2013.

Beale insisted that he would continue to give his all for the Waratahs this season: "Now that the decision has been made I want to make it clear that I will be 100% committed to the Waratahs for the remainder of the season. My absolute priority is to do everything I can to help the Waratahs achieve success in 2011."

The Rebels and their new signing spoke of the important role Beale will play in helping the club connect with Melbourne's Indigenous community.

Rebels head coach, Rod Macqueen, said: "We have not only secured a talented athlete, but also a person who understands the importance of contributing to the club on and off the field."

CEO Ross Oakley added: "The most pleasing thing about this announcement is that Kurtley is joining the Rebels for all the right reasons. He has a genuine passion to give back to the Indigenous community, which fits in perfectly with our club culture and we look forward to working with him in this area."

Beale agreed that he was looking to make an impact both on and off the field at the Rebels, who have surprised and impressed many with their ability to compete in Super Rugby in their inaugural season this year.

"I am really excited about joining the Rebels, not only is it the right move for my rugby but it will also give me the chance to contribute positively to the community," he said.

In other Rebels news, promising young duo Nick Phipps and Hugh Pyle have signed contract extensions with the club. Phipps had been linked with a move to the Waratahs, but has put pen to paper in Melbourne in what is a major boost.