Rebels sign Sam Talakai and Jermaine Ainsley

The Melbourne Rebels have bulked up its front row with the addition of props Sam Talakai and Jermaine Ainsley.

The promising pair will be a further boost to the Rebels pack, complementing the recent signings of forwards Tetera Faulkner, Ben Daley and re-signing of fan favourite back rower Amanaki Mafi.

The 26-year-old Talakai, who has signed until the end of 2019, has made 41 Super Rugby appearances for the Queensland Reds since his debut against the Brumbies in the opening round of the 2015 Super Rugby season.

After impressing in the inaugural season of the National Rugby Championship (NRC), Talakai earned his first shot at Super Rugby, where he quickly became a regular feature for the Reds over the last three years, appearing in 41 of a possible 46 Super Rugby games, including 12 starts in 2017.

Ainsley, who has signed until the end of 2018, earned his first Wallabies selection this year when the 22-year-old was named in the training squad for The Rugby Championship after coming of age during the 2017 Super Rugby season with the Western Force.

The son of former All Black and Highlanders and Hurricanes player Joe McDonnell, the 115kg prop made 17 appearances for the Force following his Super Rugby debut against the Rebels in the opening round of the 2016 season.