CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 04: Ben Volavola of the Crusaders runs out prior to the round two Super Rugby match between the Crusaders and the Blues at AMI Stadium on March 4, 2016 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

Fiji international Ben Volavola has signed a one-year Super Rugby contract with the Melbourne Rebels following a variable stint in New Zealand with the Crusaders and Canterbury.

The 25-year-old, who started all four of Fiji's games at the 2015 Rugby World Cup, joined the seven-time champion Crusaders from the Waratahs to help fill the void left by the departure of All Blacks pivot Dan Carter.

However, he struggled to get regular playing time in Christchurch where local Richie Mo'unga was preferred ahead of him and All Black Israel Dagg had a lock on the fullback role.

He made seven appearances for the Crusaders covering first five-eighth and fullback off the bench until Marty McKenzie - Mo'unga's deputy, recovered from injury.

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"I'm grateful for the opportunity to continue my career in Melbourne," Volavola said in a statement issued Friday.

"I'm excited by the chance to grow my game at a club that has a great record for nurturing and developing elite players under head coach Tony McGahan."

International utility back Ben Volavola has been added to #OurRebels squad ahead of the 2017 @SuperRugby season. https://t.co/9nRdSGuhAF pic.twitter.com/AzjKKC6XF2 — Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) January 6, 2017

Sydney-born Volavola, who also played for the Ranfurly Shield and Mitre 10 Cup winning Canterbury squad in 2016, had signed a two-year contract with the Crusaders but was released late last year.

The Rebels open the Super Rugby season with a February 23 clash against the Blues before travelling to Wellington to play 2016 champions the Hurricanes.