Wallaby centre joins the Rebels
The decorated centre has committed himself to the club until the end of the 2018 Super Rugby season.
"The chance to further develop my coaching under the tutelage of head coach Tony McGahan with an exciting playing group at the Melbourne Rebels was an opportunity I couldn't refuse," Turinui said.
"I’ve really enjoyed my time so far with the Rebels organisation and the potential in this young playing group is exciting for the future," he added.
The Sydney-native enjoyed an eight-year Super Rugby career, scoring 130 points in 83 games, with the New South Wales Waratahs form 2003 until 2007, before joining the Queensland Reds in 2008.
After his time at the Reds, Turinui move to France and joined Stade Francais, under current Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika.
No stranger to the leadership role, the former Australia vice-captain made 20 Test appearances for Australia, including as a member at the 2003 Rugby World Cup in his maiden season as a professional Rugby player.
After hanging up his boots, the 34-year-old turned his hand to coaching with Lille Metropole in France’s first division before returning home to join Randwick in Sydney’s Shute Shield.
Turinui joined the Rebels as an attacking consultant mid-way through the 2016 Super Rugby season and has already had a positive influence on the playing group.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan is delighted in the team's new acquisition and had welcome Turinui as his assistant.
"Being a former Test player and with a lot of Super Rugby experience, playing and coaching overseas, we’re looking forward to what Morgan [Turinui] can add to the club.
"In a short period of time [Turinui] has added clarity and detail to our attack structures. His past experiences as a player and coach will allow him to build strong relationships with our young key playmakers and the back unit group which will add immense value as we finish this season and go forward," McGahan added.
The Melbourne Rebels will host the Hurricanes in an exhibition game on Thursday.
While the Super Rugby will return following a four-week international hiatus on July 2 when the Rebels will face the Stormers in Melbourne
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