The Melbourne Rebels have continued to build their roster with the signing of English scrumhalf Jack Maunder on a one-year deal.
Maunder was capped for England in 2017, making his Test debut against Argentina.
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The 26-year-old has become a staple of English club Exeter, featuring in 149 appearances over the past seven years.
This includes helping them to the 2020 European Champions Cup title, as well as being selected for the Barbarians against the World XV earlier in the year.
"When the opportunity came up to come and play in a different country and play in a competition I watched since I was a kid, I was extremely grateful and couldn’t be more excited to learn and develop as much as I can for the Rebels,” said Maunder in a statement.
"I played with Geoff Parling at Exeter and he is someone I have always looked up to, so when Geoff and Kevin reached out and told me the aspirations that the club has, but also how great Melbourne is, I was immediately very excited to join.
"Super Rugby tests you in different ways and it’s played with a faster, more attacking style, so I'm looking forward to developing my game management and reading the game differently.
"I want to help and be a part of a successful Rebels team, which is stacked with talented, exciting players and great coaches and I really believe that the group can be successful next year.”
Maunder is the fifth internationally capped player to sign with the club following the signings of Wallabies trio Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu and Taniela Tupou along with All Black centre Matt Proctor.
“Jack’s signing is a strategic recruitment for our Club as we look to continue evolving our squad for season 2024,” GM of Rugby Nick Stiles added.
“Jack boasts a wealth of top level experience and comes from a successful rugby program that has tasted English Premiership success, so we’re really excited to welcome him to the Melbourne Rebels and have him be a part of what we’re building.”
“We believe Jack’s ability to control the tempo of a game, his sharp passes and long-range kicking abilities will compliment our playing model, as we look to take our fast, fearless and resolute approach to new heights in 2024.”
