This just in from the Mellbourne Rebels’ camp: Mellbourne Rebels Super 15 rugby side has signed young English star Danny Cipriani to a two-year contract.

World rugby’s newest team, the Melbourne Rebels, has today signed young English star Danny Cipriani to a two-year contract. This bold and innovative decision is another demonstration of the club’s commitment to forging its own path in international rugby.

The 22-year-old Cipriani has seven England Test caps and is currently contracted to London Wasps in Britain’s peak rugby competition, the Guinness Premiership. 

Cipriani is a highly talented player and proven goalkicker who has already successfully demonstrated his abilities at Test level. Cipriani’s international career was interrupted by an ankle injury in 2009, from which he has since made a full recovery.

Danny Cipriani said:

“I’ve had a great seven years at London Wasps which has also provided me with the opportunity to represent England at Test level. I believe this is the perfect time for me to take up an opportunity to play rugby in the southern hemisphere with a brand new team in a city recognised for its love of sport, Melbourne…I am extremely excited about working with Rod Macqueen and the other coaches and being part of something very special. Moving to Australia will be a new challenge. I have always admired the Super Rugby tournament. I think the opportunity of playing in a completely different tournament against different players at this time in my career will help me develop on and off the field.”

Rebels coach Rod Macqueen said the decision to sign Cipriani was made after careful consideration by the club.

“For a young player, Danny has already achieved much in his English rugby career. We are fortunate that Danny has made a decision to join the Rebels, but we are particularly impressed by the reasons behind his decision to move.

 “I have watched Danny play and have also spoken with English rugby’s key insiders and there is no doubt that he is held in high regard as a player of unlimited potential. I am looking forward to working with Danny to fulfil that potential.

“Danny could have chosen to continue his career in Europe, where player payments are much higher than in Australia, but he was attracted by the prospect of playing for the Rebels in the world’s premier provincial competition, Super Rugby.

 “Danny and I have spoken on numerous occasions regarding the Rebels’ commitment to a culture that makes a positive contribution to both the Melbourne community and the game of rugby.

“It is refreshing in this age to find a young man whose decision is based on sporting considerations and life choices rather than the dollar.”

Rebels chief executive Brian Waldron said the opportunity to play in the world’s sporting capital under Rod Macqueen is proving to be a real drawcard for top level players.

“With his youth and ability, we believe Danny will be a fantastic contributor to the team. We are building a squad of committed players that will have the optimum blend of experience and young talent.

“We are not in a position to pay Danny the sort of money he could attract in Europe and his decision demonstrates the strength of his commitment to be a part of the Melbourne Rebels.

“Danny is coming out of contract with the London Wasps at the end of the current season, so the timing was right.  We also appreciate the highly professional manner in which the Wasps have treated our contract negotiations.”

Rod Macqueen and his Rebels coaching staff are intending to play Cipriani at full back, the position he currently fills at London Wasps. He will become the first English international to move to play Super Rugby for an Australian team.

London Wasps Director of Rugby, Tony Hanks said

“Obviously we are disappointed that Danny is leaving, however knowing his reasons are based on rugby and personal development, we as a Club support his decision and wish him all the best.                 

“From a Club perspective it is disappointing for the fans that they won’t get to see Danny playing at Adams Park, but I am sure that they will follow his progress in Australia with a lot of interest.”

Danny Cipriani is expected to begin his pre-season with Melbourne Rebels in August 2010.