The Melbourne Rebels have added former Wallaby Morgan Turinui to the club’s coaching staff as an assistant coach.

The decorated former international and Super Rugby centre has committed to the Melbourne Rebels 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.”

The Sydney-native enjoyed an eight-year Super Rugby career, scoring 130 points in 83 games, with the New South Wales Waratahs (2003-2007) and Queensland Reds (2008-2010) before joining Stade Francais, under current Wallabies head coach Michael Cheika.

A former Wallabies vice-captain, Turinui 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 the 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.

“Being a former Test player and with a lot of Super Rugby experience, playing and coaching overseas, we’re looking forward to what Morgan can add to the club,” Melbourne Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said.

“Morgan in a short period of time 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.”