The playmaking stocks of the Wallabies and Melbourne Rebels have been boosted with Matt Toomua signing a two-and-a-half-year deal, with the veteran available for the upcoming Rugby Championship games.
Toomua will play out his current contract with English club Leicester before joining the Rebels midway through the 2019 Super Rugby season.
However the 28-year-old former Brumbies back will be eligible to represent Australia from their next match against New Zealand later this month.
He will add welcome depth at five-eighth where Australia are short of experienced cover behind incumbent Bernard Foley.
While Toomua's tally of 33 international appearances leaves him well short of the 60-cap requirement for overseas based players to represent the Wallabies, Rugby Australia officials said the duration of the his new deal makes him eligible as it is for at least two years.
He will be available for all Wallabies matches that fall in international windows.
At this stage that means the only match this year he can't be considered for is the third and final Bledisloe Cup match.
He has played for Leicester for the past two seasons since making his most recent Test appearance against New Zealand in Augusr 2016.
"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 is married to Australian cricketing superstar Ellyse Perry.
Wallabies coach Michael Cheika said he was excited Toomua had decided to play rugby in Australia again and wanted to represent his country.
"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," Cheika said.
At this stage, Toomua will not be considered for selection in Friday night's Bledisloe Cup trial at Leichhardt Oval.
