Among nine new faces, the biggest name is Wallaby star Scott Higginbotham, who is joining from Queensland Reds. He will link-up with current skipper, and Wales international, Gareth Delve in the back row.

There is still one place to be filled by head coach Damien Hill in his 30, but he has filled all five places among his Extended Playing Squad. Leaving the club are the experienced Stirling Mortlock, Al Campbell, Mark Gerrard and Adam Freier as Hill looks for a younger element.

"We planned from the outset to recruit experienced players in our start up seasons to assist with the development of a strong culture and playing style," said Hill.

"The involvement of these foundation players will continue in other ways. Sam Cordingley has stayed with the organisation in a recruitment capacity and Stirling will play a part in our coaching structure next season.

"Scott is an important recruit for the organisation as we step up for 2013. We are building an exciting, well-balanced squad with the likes of current Wallabies James O'Connor, Kurtley Beale, Cooper Vuna, Nick Phipps and now Scott.

"Several other players, including Luke Jones, Hugh Pyle, Caderyn Neville, Mitch Inman, Laurie Weeks, Richard Kingi and Jarrod Saffy, we also expect to push for Wallaby selection. There are also several young players, such as Nic Stirzacker and Angus Roberts, who are to impress next season."

Among the new recruits are 23-year-old Alex Rokobaro, who has been playing full back at Stade Francias for the past year, and ex-Cardiff Blues hooker Ryan Tyrell and Newport Gwent Dragons centre Rory Sidey.

Chris Thomson, who at almost 6' 10''will be the tallest player in Australia, has returned after spending two seasons in France at Narbonne, and former New Zealand Junior World Cup winner Jason Woodward has linked up with the Rebels from Wellington Lions.

Another Kiwi, back row man Scott Fuglistaller, joins after gaining experience with Wellington and the Otago Highlanders.

2013 Melbourne Rebels squad

1. Eddie Aholelei
2. Paul Alo-Emile
3. Kurtley Beale
4. Tim Davidson
5. Gareth Delve
6. Scott Fuglistaller
7. Nic Henderson
8. Scott Higginbotham
9. Mitch Inman
10. Luke Jones
11. James King
12. Richard Kingi
13. Lachlan Mitchell
14. Cadeyrn Neville
15. James O'Connor
16. Nick Phipps
17. Hugh Pyle
18. Angus Roberts
19. Ged Robinson
20. Alex Rokobaro
21. Jarrod Saffy
22. Rory Sidey
23. Kimami Sitauti
24. Nic Stirzaker
25. Chris Thomson
26. Ryan Tyrrell
27. Cooper Vuna
28. Laurie Weeks
29. Jason Woodward
30. TBC

EXTENDED PLAYING SQUAD
31. Trent Dyer
32. Tom English
33. Bryce Hegarty
34. Patrick Leafa
35. Jordy Reid