Melbourne Rebels sign lock Toolis

The Melbourne Rebels have signed young lock Alex Toolis, who has been playing in Scotland, on a two year Super Rugby deal.

The 24-year-old Brisbane-born Toolis will join the Rebels after playing for Edinburgh Rugby in the European Pro12 competition since 2013, which included an appearance in the 2015 European Challenge Cup final.

Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan said his experience in a set piece-dominated northern hemisphere would be a welcome addition to the team.

"Alex is an athletic and skilled lock who will bring strong set piece experience to the Melbourne Rebels and a hungry attitude to succeed in the world's toughest rugby competition," McGahan said.

Toolis will play for the Melbourne Rising in the upcoming 2016 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC).

The Rising kick off their 2016 NRC campaign away against the Perth Spirit on Saturday 27 August.