Former Wallabies prop Rodney "Rodzilla" Blake is one of two new recruits announced by the Melbourne Rebels on Wednesday.

Blake, who established himself as a fan's favourite during his previous stint in Super rugby with Queensland, will join the Rebels for their inaugural campaign along with another former Wallaby in Mark Gerrard.

Tongan-born Blake is a lofty 190cm tall and weighs in around 130kgs and made seven Wallabies appearances during his time with the Reds from 2005 to 2008.

Rebels forwards coach Mark Bakewell said the 27-year-old was a more driven player following a two-year stint in France with Bayonne.

"From his experience, Rodney returns to Australia with a broader range of skills as well as the desire to be the best player in his position in the country," said Rebels forwards coach Mark Bakewell.

"We believe he can exceed the expectations put on him before he left for France and become a major asset for the Rebels and Australian rugby."

Former Test fullback Gerrard joins the Rebels from Japanese club NTT Communications.

He played 23 Tests between 2005 and the 2007 World Cup, after making his Super debut with the Waratahs in 2002 and moving to the Brumbies the following year.

Gerrard has earned 79 Super rugby caps and is third on the Brumbies' list of all-time point scorers behind fellow Rebel Stirling Mortlock and Joe Roff.

He scored three tries for the Brumbies in their 2004 grand final victory against the Crusaders.

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