Somerville hopes to make the All Blacks World Cup squad

Gloucester prop Greg Somerville will join new Super 15 franchise Melbourne Rebels at the end of the season.

The New Zealand international, 32, had been mulling over a return down under in time for the 2011 World Cup - and also for family reasons.

He announced last week that he would be leaving the Cherry and Whites, for whom he has played 36 times since joining from Crusaders in 2008.

Somerville joins Danny Cipriani, Gareth Delve and Stirling Mortlock at Rebels.

He said: "I've loved every minute of my time with Gloucester, I just feel that now is the right time for my family to be nearer home, particularly with our third child being born just before Christmas.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Rod Macqueen in helping establish a brand new Super Rugby team."

He has been out since breaking his arm against Sale in February. But he is expected to be available for Gloucester's last two matches against London Irish and Worcester.

Head coach Bryan Redpath said: "Greg's contribution on and off the field has been exceptional as you would expect from somebody capped so many times for the All Blacks.

"The knowledge he's been able to pass on to the younger props coming through has been invaluable.

"Paul Doran-Jones, Rupert Harden and Shaun Knight are all better players having had the chance to work and train alongside Greg."

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