Parling on his way to Melbourne Rebels
The Melbourne Rebels have announced the signing of former England and British and Irish Lions lock Geoff Parling for the 2018 Super Rugby season.
The announcement comes despite uncertainty over the Melbourne-based franchise's future in Super Rugby. The Australian Rugby Union have indicated that either the Rebels or the Western Force will be axed from tournament ahead of the 2018 season.
Parling’s signature is the first announced by an Australian Super Rugby club since the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) lifted the moratorium on player contracting.
“Geoff’s signing is a strategic recruitment for the club as we look to evolve our squad and program for 2018 and beyond,” said Melbourne Rebels chief executive officer Baden Stephenson.
“Geoff boasts a wealth of international and domestic experience in successful rugby programs so he will contribute to the strong leadership at the club, along with his world class lineout skills and hard running qualities which will complement our squad.”
Parling has over 250 games of domestic experience with the Newcastle Falcons (2003-09), where he won the players’ player award in 2005-06, before he joined the Leicester Tigers (2009-15) and finally Exeter Chiefs (2015-17).
The 33-year-old starred in Exeter’s first Premiership triumph with his lineout nous and powerful running setting the platform for the historic victory.
Parling made his international debut with England in 2012 before going on to make 29 appearances for his country and earn selection for the 2013 British and Irish Lions tour of Australia.
“After some really enjoyable years in the Premiership, I’m excited about the opportunity to test myself in the Southern Hemisphere that Super Rugby brings,” said Parling.
“Hopefully I can add value to the Rebels, and help the team continue the great growth and profile of rugby in Victoria.”
Parling will join the Melbourne Rebels in January 2018.
The Melbourne Rebels are on Super Rugby break during the June internationals and will resume the 2017 season when they take on the Western Force, Friday 7 July at nib Stadium in Perth.