New Super rugby franchise Melbourne Rebels have announced the signing of three new players in Sam Cordingley, Tim Davidson and Peter Betham.

Former Queensland Reds halfback Cordingley will return to the country from France where he's playing for Grenoble and will be well known to Rebel's coach Rod Macqueen.

The 34-year-old was given his Wallabies debut by Macqueen in 2000 and he said it hadn't been a hard call to join the Rebels.

"After speaking with Rod Macqueen and Brian Waldron about their ideas for taking the club forward, it became a quick decision to join," he said.

"Being asked to be one of the founding members of the Melbourne Rebels and to be part of building a culture from scratch is an honour.

"It's something not many players get the chance to experience."

Backrower Davidson, who has played for the Western Force and NSW Waratahs, will reunite with his coach from Sydney University at the Rebels, Damien Hill being Macqueen's assistant.

"Tim brings a great deal of professional rugby experience to the Rebels through his stints at the Waratahs, Force and Leeds," Hill said.

"He's a high work-rate player who can fill all the back row slots and will be someone who helps us build a strong foundation to the Rebels playing style and culture."

Betham joins the Rebels from the Waratahs with Hill claiming he is "one of the most dynamic and athletic young backs" in Australian rugby.

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