Queensland prop first Aussie signing for Rebels

The Melbourne Rebels have announced Queensland Reds prop Laurie Weeks as their first Australian-based signing for the 2011 Super 15.

The Rebels announced Weeks, the 2009 Australian Super 14 rookie of the year, had signed with the expansion franchise at the Weary Dunlop Lunch in Melbourne on Thursday.

The announcement comes after restrictions preventing Melbourne signing Australian-based players were lifted on Monday.

While Rebels officials had indicated six players had committed to the new team, none had been officially announced until the Dunlop Lunch.

Reds coach Ewen McKenzie on Thursday morning said tighthead Weeks had yet to make a decision and Queensland had not given up the fight to keep him.

- AAP