TOKYO, JAPAN - JUNE 25: (C) Amanaki Mafi #8 of Japan passes the ball during the international friendly match between Japan v Scotland at Ajinomoto Stadium on June 25, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Koki Nagahama/Getty Images)

The Melbourne Rebels have signed Japanese international Amanaki Mafi for the 2017 season.

Rebals' coach Tony McGahan said Mafi, who made four appearances and scored two tries for japan during the 2015 Rugby World Cup, is a great addition to the squad.

“Amanaki will compliment our backrow very well through his power game in the contact area,” McGahan said.

“As we saw at the World Cup, Amanaki makes his presence felt whether he's starting the game or off the bench.”

The 26-year-old currently plies his trade with NTT Communications in Japan and will join the Rebels' squad after the completion of the Top League season.