Rebels sign Japanese winger Kentaro Kodama

The Melbourne Rebels have signed Japanese international winger Kentaro Kodama ahead of their Super Rugby campaign.

The 24-year-old has signed a one-year deal after debuting in the competition with the Tokyo-based Sunwolves last year.

"Kentaro is a rising star of Japanese rugby ... His speed and nouse for scoring tries will add depth to the backline," Rebels general manager Baden Stephenson said on Thursday.

The winger is set to line up against his future teammates with the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Brisbane Global Tens over February 11 and 12.

"I am so grateful for this opportunity with Melbourne Rebels," Kodama said,

"I look forward to learning from the world's best players and taking part in a game."

Kodama will join Japanese teammate Amanaki Mafi at the Rebels in 2017.

The Rebels kicks off their Super Rugby season when they host the Blues on February 23.