The England rugby five-eighth Danny Cipriani could be on his way to Australia, with the Super 15 new boys, the Melbourne Rebels, targeting a move for the talented playmaker.
Rebels coach Rod MacQueen spoke to Cipriani in London last week and although the franchise have not yet made a formal offer to the 21-year-old, who is off contract with London Wasps in May, he admitted early discussions were positive.
The Rebels are unable to sign any Australian-based players until June, when the Super 14 season is completed.
And although Macqueen said the ruling is frustrating, the new franchise is desperate to ensure all of their recruitment is in place so they can unveil a strong line-up for the 2011 season.
Despite having talks with a number of players in the UK, Macqueen said there is no plan to flood the team with foreign players.
Cipriani, who is rated as one of the best young talents in English rugby, has fallen down the international pecking order after falling out of favour with coach Martin Johnson following a disappointing Six Nations campaign last year.
Questions marks have also been raised about his life away from the field where he is involved in a high-profile relationship with actress Kellie Brook.
Cipriani has often been in the headlines for the wrong reasons and was also dropped ahead of his Test debut in 2008 after visiting a nightclub 48 hours before a match against Scotland at Twickenham.
He was also involved in a training ground punch-up last year with former Wasps and England teammate Josh Lewsey.
