Australian-raised, English international flanker Michael Lipman has become the latest player to sign with new Super rugby franchise the Melbourne Rebels.

The London-born Lipman was educated at famous Sydney rugby nursery St Josephs College before going on to play 10 Tests for England and co-captain Bath during Rebels assistant coach Mark Bakewell's tenure at the celebrated English club.

More recently, he captained Warringah, the Sydney side with close links to Rebels head coach Rod Macqueen.

"Since I have been back in Australia, I've had wonderful support and enjoyed the special team spirit at Warringah," said Lipman.

"I can't think of a better place to continue my rugby career than Melbourne with Rod Macqueen and his coaching staff."

Newcastle Knights rugby league winger Cooper Vuna signed with the Rebels last week, joining St George Illawarra forward Jarrod Saffy as the new side's second NRL recruit.

But the Rebels have all but given up hope of signing superstar Mark Gasnier, who they expect to return to the NRL rather than continue his rugby career.

Vuna, who has been in excellent form for the Knights this season, said he's looking forward to his move to Melbourne in October.

"This is an incredible stadium and to play here in Melbourne presents such a great opportunity for me," he said.

"But my decision to become a Rebel next year is based as much on the off-field opportunities as the on-field.

"Rod Macqueen impressed me with his ideas about balance in life and what happens after rugby. I also want to make my dad proud."

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