Rebels sign AUS Sevens star Pama Fou

The 25-year-old will join the Rebels in August on a one-year contract after he was granted dispensation by the club this year to pursue his dream of competing in the Olympics with the Australian Sevens team.

The speedster is returning from injury after a freak accident at home saw his Olympic dream dashed when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

"The prolific try scorer's height and athleticism provides unique aerial skills which will not only compliment our outside backs but also provide a point of difference," Melbourne Rebels General Manager Rugby Operations Baden Stephenson said.

The 196cm former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) volleyball scholarship holder made his Sevens debut at the 2011 Gold Coast Sevens.

Fou, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist (2014), is Australia's third highest Sevens try scorer with 80 tries and 410 points in 121 games since his debut.

Fou said he was looking forward to joining the Rebels and getting back on the field.

"I'm really grateful the Rebels gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of making the Olympics squad," Fou said.

"I've come to terms with the disappointment of missing out on Rio and I'm now completely focused on getting down to Melbourne, returning to full fitness and repaying the Rebels faith in next year's Super Rugby season."

Fou's recruitment follows last week's announcement that the Rebels had signed lock Alex Toolis and prop Tyrell Lomax.