Auckland forward Pauliasi Manu is the final player signed to the Melbourne Rebels for the upcoming season. Source: Getty Images
THE last place in Melbourne Rebels's 30-player squad has been claimed by Auckland Blues prop forward Pauliasi Manu.
Manu has signed a two-year deal with the Rebels and will join the club once his ITM Cup commitments with Auckland are complete.
Manu, 24, made his ITM Cup debut with Auckland in 2008 and has spent the past two seasons in the Blues Super Rugby squad, gaining valuable experience behind All Blacks veteran loose head prop Tony Woodcock.
"I have learnt a lot from Tony and all my teammates and am proud of my time with Auckland and the Blues," he said.
"I am really looking forward to the opportunity to push for a starting spot and build on my five Super Rugby caps as a Rebel."
Manu boosts Melbourne's front-row stocks, joining Nic Henderson and Eddie Aholelei in the contest for the starting loose head spot.
"Pauliasi has had strong ITM Cup form with Auckland this season and has had Super 15 experience," Rebels coach Damien Hill said.
"In addition to his scrummaging, Pauliasi brings attacking skills and a competitive streak that is going to make the battle for starting loose head prop very exciting over the next two years.
"We are all looking forward to Pauliasi becoming a Melbourne Rebel."
Melbourne has 30 players in its main squad with a further five in the extended playing squad.
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