SYDNEY: Powerful Japanese No.8 Amanaki Mafi was Thursday signed by the Melbourne Rebels for the next Super Rugby season.
The 26-year-old, who played for Japan at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, scoring two tries, joins from NTT Communications Shining Arcs in Japan's Top League.
"Amanaki will complement our back row very well through his power game in the contact area," Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said.
"As we saw at the World Cup, Amanaki makes his presence felt whether he's starting the game or off the bench."
The 112-kilogramme Tonga-born No.8 has been a standout player in Japan with selection in the All Japan Top League's Best XV for the last two seasons.
"Super Rugby has been a long-term goal and I can't wait to arrive and test my skills against the world's best players," Mafi said.
"Melbourne is a great city and it will be a privilege to be a part of the Rebels team."
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