The Rebels have bolstered their forward pack, signing Tuaina Taii Tualima until the end of 2024.
Tualima returns to Victoria after initially making his name in the Rebels Under 20's squad in 2017.
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From here, a successful stint with Brisbane City in the NRC saw him picked up by the Reds at the beginning of 2020.
He would go on to play 14 games for the club, including their 2021 Super Rugby AU Final against the Brumbies.
After sporadic Super Rugby Pacific appearances, the Auckland product was excited to return to where it all began.
“I’m so excited to be part of what the Rebels are building next year and further develop my skills alongside my new teammates, Kevin Foote and Geoff Parling,” Tualima said in a statement.
“The Rebels put in some great performances towards the backend of last season, so I can’t wait to be part of this team and celebrate wins with the boys throughout my time here.
“In 2017, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to be part of the Rebels Development Squad and got the chance to represent their under-20’s team, which was amazing. Working under Pom Simona was great, and I look forward to reuniting with him later this year.
“I’m so hungry to learn, improve and put in the hard work to further build my knowledge in such a great environment.”
Melbourne Rebels Elite Pathways Coach Pom Simona, who coached Tualima alongside current Rebels Pone Fa'amausili and Jordan Uelese in 2017, was equally as pleased to bring him back to 'The Stockade.'
“The first thing that sticks out about Tuaina is that he's an excellent human being,” Simona added.
“When I think back on Tuaina's time here I think of someone who embodies our values of selflessness off the field and fight on it.
“He's an excellent team man that will go out of his way to help others but brings a real physical edge when he crosses the line.
“I'm looking forward to having him back in Melbourne and he'll offer a lot to our environment.”
