All Blacks prop Greg Somerville has signed for new Australian Super 15 rugby team the Melbourne Rebels for their debut 2011 season, officials said on Friday. Somerville, 32, is New Zealand rugby's most decorated prop in with 66 caps, and has been playing with English club Gloucester. He was a regular member of All Black squads since his selection in 2000 up to his final Test against Australia in Hong Kong in November 2008. 'Ive loved every minute of my time with Gloucester, I just feel that now is the right time for my family to be nearer home, particularly with our third child being born just before Christmas,' Somerville said. 'Im really looking forward to working with Rod Macqueen in helping establish a brand new Super Rugby team.' Rebels' head coach Rod Macqueen rates Somerville highly and is looking forward to his experience in helping his new team. 'Greg is highly regarded amongst his peers and a proven leader on the field,' Macqueen said. 'His scrummaging skills are renowned. Hell be a great contributor to the style of rugby well be playing in 2011.' Somerville becomes the second New Zealander playing in the United Kingdom to sign on with the Rebels this week, following the recruitment of former Otago Highlanders captain and Newport Gwent Dragons second-rower Hoani Macdonald. The Rebels have already signed former Wallabies skipper Stirling Mortlock, England flyhalf Danny Cipriani, Welsh forward Gareth Delve and former Wallabies' hooker Adam Freier. The Rebels will play their first match in February, at the start of the inaugural Super 15 season. 