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Former Brumbies fly-half Matt Toomua signs new deal with Wallabies, Rebels

Super Rugby, Rugby Championship

Former Brumbies fly-half Matt Toomua has officially signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with Rugby Australia and the Melbourne Rebels, making him immediately available for the Wallabies' Bledisloe Cup campaign kicking off later this month.

The 28-year-old utility back last played for the Wallabies in 2016 in the opening Bledisloe Cup Test before joining the Leicester Tigers in England's Premiership competition.

"Leicester have been fantastic to me throughout my time here. The option to return to Australia was something that did exist within my contract, only if a chance to represent the Wallabies was there and, with a Rugby World Cup next year, was ultimately one I couldn't turn down," Toomua said.

"As well as a chance to represent my country at a World Cup again, the return home also allows me to be closer to both my wife and family after nearly three years on the opposite side of the world."

Toomua will serve out his current contract with the Tigers before joining the Rebels midway through the 2019 Super Rugby season.

Toomua's eligibility is timely for the Wallabies who have outside centre injury woes, with Tevita Kuridrani and Samu Kerevi forcing a backline re-think, while it gives coach Michael Cheika another option behind current fly-half Bernard Foley.

"I'm really excited that Matt has decided to return home. He wanted to come back to play rugby in Australia again and also to represent Australia again," Cheika said. "It's a massive boost to the squad and adds to the depth that we've built for the broader Wallabies squad in a key position."

The playmaker will not be considered for Friday night's pre-Bledisloe Cup trial match between the Wallabies squad and an Australian Super selection side. Toomua will not be eligible to join Wallabies camp until Sunday August 12.

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