Rebels sign Irish international

The Melbourne Rebels have signed Irish international prop Jamie Hagan for two Super Rugby seasons.

Hagan, 28, a tight-head prop who has made more than 100 appearances for Leinster, Connacht and London Irish, made his full international debut for Ireland against the United States of America in 2013.

Hagan becomes only the second fully capped Irish international to sign for an Australian Super Rugby team, after front-rower Peter Clohessy spent the 1997 season with the Reds.

Hagan said he was looking forward to testing himself in the Southern Hemisphere's renowned provincial competition.

"Growing up in Ireland, I have always watched Super Rugby and it has always fascinated me," he said.

"Now, after eight years playing professionally in Ireland and England, I have an amazing opportunity to move to Melbourne and play both with and against people of such a high calibre.

"It's such an exciting tournament; the rugby is fast, furious and open, everything that rugby should be."

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Hagan would bring experience to the squad.

"To be able to bring a front-row player into the team with 100 caps at the professional level is a real positive for the improvement of the squad going forward into the 2016 season," McGahan said.

Hagan's signing is the third announcement this week for the Rebels, with All Black looseforward Adam Thomson and lock Culum Retallick bolstering the forward pack ahead of the 2016 Super Rugby season.