Super Rugby
Melbourne Rebels sign All Blacks centre
ESPN Staff
September 6, 2013
Tamati Ellison has signed a one-year deal with the Rebels © Getty Images
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Melbourne Rebels have pulled off a significant coup with the signing of All Blacks centre Tamati Ellison.

Ellison will arrive at the Rebels on a one-year deal after the end of the Top League season in Japan where the 30-year-old currently runs out for the Ricoh Black Rams. He will bring a wealth of experience to the Rebels' ranks having made 77 appearances in Super Rugby during his spells for the Hurricanes and Highlanders.

The Rebels are delighted with their new capture, with head coach Tony McGahan saying: "Tamati has the ability to play at a high level across a number of positions in the backline, which makes him a very important part of a Super XV squad in such a fast and demanding competition.

"He is a player who likes to express himself on the rugby field, and with this he will fit into the type of rugby we aim to play next season. His experience from all levels of New Zealand Rugby, combined with his overseas playing time will enable him to contribute to our Rugby program across many levels, both on and off the field."

Ellison added: "My family and I are really excited about moving to Melbourne and the new opportunities that lay ahead. The Rebels are building a very competitive team, and I'm looking forward to being a part of that."

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