Magnay signs with Rebels

Former Reds centre Campbell Magnay is coming back to Australia, signing with the Rebels for 2019.

Magnay was a highly-rated junior prospect and began to make a mark with the U20s before he opted to head to the Japanese Top League.

The centre won a title with Suntory in Japan last year, playing alongside fellow Aussies Sean McMahon and Matt Giteau.

A return to Australia now might be a tad too late for a run at the 2019 Rugby World Cup but at just 21, Magnay still holds out hope of fulfilling his Wallabies dream.

“I’m happy to be returning to Super Rugby in 2019 and very privileged to be welcomed to Melbourne," he said.

"The Rebels is a pretty impressive set up with their players, coaches and management and I’m looking forward to joining the squad early in the new year.

“I’ve enjoyed my time in Japan and embracing a new experience, but I was always hoping to return.

"My time away has strengthened my desire to consolidate myself in Australian rugby and to work hard aspiring towards the Wallabies.

"The conversations with Dave (Wessels) and the Rebels recruitment staff made the decision to become a Rebel a clear winner for me."

Rebels coach Dave Wessels said he had seen Magnay grow in his time in Japan.

“Campbell left Australia with a lot of promise and a growing reputation as being a super talent," he said.

"He’s gone away and broadened his life experiences and now he has the opportunity to get back into Super Rugby and work hard to challenge for a place in our team.

“He could’ve gone to another club that might have had an easier path to game time but he wants to come here to challenge himself and to be the best player he can be."