The Melbourne Rebels have added New Zealander Tamati Ellison to their 2014 Super Rugby squad as they try to bolster their backline stocks.

Mostly a centre who can play wing and fullback, the 30-year-old signed a one-year deal from Japanese club Ricoh Black Rams.

Ellison will add plenty of experience to the Rebels’ backline following the departures of Wallabies pair Kurtley Beale and James O’Connor.

Ellison has played four Tests for the All Blacks and racked up 77 Super Rugby appearances between Kiwi franchises, the Blues, Hurricanes and Highlanders.

Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Ellison’s versatility and experience would be valuable assets to the club, who finished 12th last season.

“Tamati has the ability to play at a high level across a number of positions in the backline, which makes him a very important part of a Super XV squad in such a fast and demanding competition,” McGahan said.

“He is a player who likes to express himself on the rugby field and, with this, he will fit into the type of rugby we aim to play next season.”