After weeks of speculation that the towering second-rower would be heading to Victoria, he has finally put pen to paper after giving away very little over the past few months.

Coleman had every intention of staying with the Western Force, but has followed respected coach Dave Wessels, who is in charge of the Rebels next season.

"The fact that Adam is staying in Australia is great for Australian rugby all round," Wessels told Fairfax Media. "It shows that he is serious about wanting to be the best lock in the world. It shows he is serious about wanting to win a World Cup for Australia and it shows he's serious that he wants to win a Super Rugby title. We're delighted to have him here in Melbourne.

"We all recognise that players are generally going to be offered more money to go to Europe, so a player who stays is making a sacrifice to stay and that says something about his character. It's those types of sacrifices that will make us successful in the long run."

The 26-year-old has chalked up 20 caps in 17 months and has established himself as Australia's premier second-rower two years out from the next World Cup.

"I'm excited to get down to Melbourne and join up with the boys," Coleman said. "They have made some great signings that have nicely added to the talented guys that are already there.

"There's a nice balance of experience and some great young players, so we'll be aiming to give Super Rugby a good shake next year.

"Obviously Dave [Wessels] was a big factor, but I definitely wanted to stay in Australian Rugby. I love playing in the gold jersey for the Wallabies and I think we're building something special for the 2019 Rugby World Cup."

Coleman was a last-minute scratching from the Wallabies team to face England last weekend because of a thumb injury.

Even though assistant coach Stephen Larkham talked down the seriousness of the injury in the lead-up to the match, Coleman flew out of Heathrow on Saturday to have surgery in Australia.

Coleman will take time off over Christmas before joining his new club to prepare for next season.

The Rebels have built up arguably the best roster in Super Rugby next year, with a host of stars coming from the Force and other franchises.

Coleman, Will Genia, Dane Haylett-Petty, Geoff Parling, Matt Philip, Billy Meakes, Jono Lance and Henry Hutchison are just some of the new faces.

The issue for Wessels is how to fit all his stars into one team.

There is a real possibility players who went to the Rebels thinking they would get consistent game-time will now struggle to get in the match-day 23, such is the talent on the roster.

Asked whether Force back-rower and Wallaby Ben McCalman was still in the picture to be signed by the Rebels, Wessels said: "Ben's an excellent player, I've got a very good relationship with him. I think any team that gets Ben would be lucky to have him."