The Melbourne Rebels have continued to plunder the ranks of the Queensland Reds, signing hooker James Hanson.
The 26-year-old has signed a two-year deal with Melbourne until the end of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
Hanson joins skipper Scott Higginbotham and backs Mike Harris, Dom Shipperley and Jonah Placid in leaving struggling Queensland for the Rebels.
Flanker Liam Gill is also reportedly keen to move to Melbourne.
Hanson, who has made 78 Super Rugby appearances since his 2010 debut, was part of the original Melbourne Rebels side in the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) back in 2007.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan worked with Hanson during his time as the Wallabies assistant and was delighted to lure him south.
"The Rebels are delighted that James has decided to join the club," he said.
"James' excellence in the set piece area, added to his ability to contribute to our strong playing group, is invaluable."
Hanson, who has nine Test caps, said he was excited about moving to Melbourne and joining the Rebels.
"I have aspirations to achieve success at both a club and international level, and I am confident that I will be able to realise these by moving to Melbourne and joining the Rebels.
"While my immediate focus is finishing the season well with the Reds, I am genuinely excited about the opportunity at the Rebels over the next few years."
The Reds, who have only won three Super 15 matches this season, have also lost internationals Will Genia and James Horwill to European clubs.
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