The Melbourne Rebels have signed former Western Force player Ben Whittaker after losing Japan Test hooker Shota Horie, who requires surgery on a neck injury.
Horie will miss the Super Rugby season as he remains in Japan, where he had been playing in the Top League championship, to undergo treatment with the aim of being fit for this year's Rugby World Cup.
Horie made 19 Super Rugby appearances for the Rebels and scored one try during his two seasons.
Rebels head coach Tony McGahan was disappointed that Horie wouldn't be returning.
"Shota is a player who brought a lot to the group, on and off the field, and is somebody the coaches enjoyed working with because of his ability and fantastic attitude," McGahan said.
Whittaker, who has been playing for French club Biarritz, has joined the club on a 12-month deal.
The 25-year-old made 32 appearances for the Force during four seasons in Perth before joining Biarritz.
He will compete with Pat Leafa and Tom Sexton for the starting hooker role.
"Ben's keen to make the most of this opportunity, and we have faith in his ability to do just that," McGahan said.
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