Melbourne Rebels

Genia was long adamant Queensland was his preferred destination for an Australian return, but with three halfbacks already on their books, the Reds could not accommodate the cost of their former nine.

"It was a simple decision because it didn't work out in terms of being accommodated at the Reds," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"So, I could've waited and waited until the 31st of December but I just decided to make a call and I'm pretty happy with my decision, pretty comfortable."

Faulkner, who was born in New Zealand before moving to Melbourne as a 13-year-old, leaves the Force after seven years with the club - a stint that started as injury cover in 2011.

Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson revealed the signing on Melbourne radio station RSN this morning and was brimming with excitement at the prospect of bringing a Wallaby back to Melbourne.

"Tetera is a quality player and person who will bring experience, consistency and strong values to the Rebels,” Stephenson said.

Although the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has yet to be notified of a change in ownership, the governing body says it has received confirmation of a sale via a third party.

In a statement issued on Friday night, the ARU said it understood the ownership has been transferred from Cox's Imperium Group to the Victorian Rugby Union.

"The Melbourne Rebels have an obligation under their Participation Deed to inform ARU of any change of ownership," the statement said.