The Melbourne Rebels have signed former All Blacks back rower Adam Thomson for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Thomson has made 83 Super Rugby appearances for the Highlanders and Reds and has represented the All Blacks on  31 occasions.

Rebels’ Head Coach Tony McGahan said he was delighted to be able to add a player of Thomson’s pedigree to his squad.

“Adam will bring a great deal of experience, ability and dynamism to our squad,” McGahan said. “He has proven himself to be one of the top loose forwards in the Southern Hemisphere over a sustained period, and he’ll add a lot to our Rugby program when he arrives in Melbourne.”

For Thomson, the opportunity to join a young team on the rise was one he simply couldn’t turn down.

“At this stage of my career, I wanted to continue to play Rugby at a high level and it was important to be in an environment that best fits my needs, that I feel can get the best out of me and where I believe I can contribute the most,” Thomson explained.

“Having played against the Rebels for a number of years, I’ve seen some real development; the style they play and the direction the Club’s heading is exciting. I think my game will fit well with the Rebels and allow me to play some quality football, which I am still very much driven to do.”

Thomson said that the opportunity to work underneath McGahan and Zane Hilton, and alongside compatriot Tamati Ellison, was a driving factor in his decision to sign with the Rebels.

“While moving to the Rebels wasn’t a decision I took lightly, I can’t wait to work with Tony and Zane,” he said.

“I have only met Tony briefly, but already I like his style and the direction he wants to take the team, while Zane and I know each other well. We have good banter and get the best out of each other, which is an exciting dynamic to work within again.

“I’ve heard nothing but positive reports about the Rebels and I’m excited to be a part of it. Tamati can’t speak highly enough about the Club, but he also said he needed some support in keeping the Aussie boys in line!”

In 2015, Thomson topped the tackle count and ranked third for carries at the Reds, while only Sharks lock Marco Wentzel stole more lineouts from opposition throws in Super Rugby than Thomson.