Former Queensland Reds backrower Jake Schatz has found a home for 2017, joining the Melbourne Rebels as injury cover ahead of the season start.
Schatz was released by the Reds last year with a surplus of backrow depth and until now his rugby future was unclear.
The 26-year-old battled injuries in recent seasons but has been given a second Super Rugby chance with star backrower Sean McMahon undergoing ankle surgery in the offseason.
McMahon is expected to miss the "first few weeks" of the Super Rugby season, according to the Rebels website.
A heartbreaking blow for former Aussie Sevens player Pama Fou has given former Manly and Sydney Rays back Denis Pili-Gatuia a shot at Super Rugby.
Fou ruptured his ACL at training for the second time in less than a year, ahead of what would have been his first season with the Rebels.
Rebels general manager - rugby - Baden Stephenson said the pair would add extra security to the squad, with the team well aware of the problems of a mounting injury count, after a horror run in 2016.
“The inclusion of Jake and Dennis will provide the squad with additional cover and depth as we ramp up our preparations for 2017 with trial matches against the Force and Reds over the next two weeks,” he said.
The Rebels kick off their 2017 Super Rugby season on February 23 against the Blues at AAMI Park. Memberships are available at melbournerebels.com.
