Rebels poach another Red
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After snapping up Jonah Placid and Mike Harris from the Reds, the Melbourne Rebels have swooped for Wallaby wing Dom Shipperley.
Shipperley has agreed a two year deal with the Melbourne outfit, and will join the Rebels at the conclusion of the Super Rugby competition.
Shipperley has made 43 Super Rugby appearances for the Reds, including nine so far this season, and has scored 13 Super Rugby tries.
Shipperley has also represented his country on three occasions at senior level, featuring for the Wallabies in the 2012 Rugby Championship, playing Rugby Sevens for Australia and playing four games for Australia U20s in 2011.
Rebels' Head Coach Tony McGahan said Shipperley's signing was a sign of intent, and a coup for the young club.
"We are absolutely delighted to secure Dom's signature," McGahan said.
"To sign a quality player like Dom, a Wallaby and a very experienced Super Rugby player with the ability to influence games, is fantastic.
"As well, he is a quality person; it's a huge signing for the club, and a great player for our members to be watching come next season."
23 year old Dom will join fellow members of the Reds' Super Rugby winning side of 2011 when he moves to Melbourne, in the form of Rebels Captain Scott Higginbotham and fellow new signing Mike Harris.
While McGahan believes those friendships will be important he also stressed it was a great opportunity for Dom to be exposed to a fresh Rugby environment.
"Dom's relationships with Scott and Mike would certainly have played some part in his decision, along with a number of other factors," McGahan said.
"Dom is a very intelligent guy who would have thought very deeply about the direction of his career, and his next contract.
"Coming into a new environment and proving himself by earning the respect of a new playing group and coaching staff would have come into play, and Dom has made the choice that he believes is best for him."
Shipperley's skill set will him push hard for a starting spot in Melbourne, and McGahan is excited to see him on display at AAMI Park.
"Dom has some really elite specialist wing skills, and that has enabled him to play at such a high level," McGahan explained.
"His finishing ability is great; he is strong and athletic, and able to carry the ball well into close contact.
"His aerial work is strong, and those skills will help make the wing position down here in Melbourne a highly competitive position.
"Dom will certainly put his best foot forward and we are looking forward to him coming down here and getting started."
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