Rugby: Kiwi Fuglistaller signs new Rebels rugby deal

Scott Fuglistaller of the Rebels is tackled during the round 15 Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Waratahs at AAMI Park. Photo / Getty Images.

Kiwi flanker Scott Fuglistaller is calling Australia home for another two years after re-signing with the Melbourne Rebels.

Fuglistaller, 27, has inked a new deal that will see him stay with the Super Rugby club until the end of the 2016 season.

Hailing from Wellington, the former New Zealand under-19 representative will be available for Wallabies selection at the end of the 2015 season when he completes the 36-consecutive month residency criteria.

After just two Super Rugby caps in his native New Zealand, Fuglistaller had no hesitation in repaying the faith the Rebels placed in him when they first signed him.

"I'm very happy to be extending my stay at the Rebels,'' he said.

"This club gave me a chance in Super Rugby and I feel like repaying the faith in them is the right thing to do.''

The openside flanker had an outstanding debut season in 2013, playing every game and winning the Spirit of Weary Dunlop Award for the player who showed the most passion on field for the club.

He also topped the tackle count among Australian Super Rugby teams, finishing sixth overall.

He has continued in a similar vein in 2014, missing just one game due to injury and joining the club's leadership group.

"My confidence has grown and I feel like, out of all of my years in rugby, I have learnt the most this year which is a real positive,'' he said.

Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said Fuglistaller was a priority re-signing.

"His leadership across the group has been fantastic and is certainly backed up by his on-field efforts,'' McGahan said.

Fuglistaller's signing follows new deals with promising flanker Sean McMahon and halfback Nic Stirzaker.

-AAP