Students of St. Kevin’s College received a thrill at recess time when they found their main oval to be inhabited by the Melbourne Rebels playing squad on Wednesday morning.
As the Rebels gear up for a bye this week, the playing group took their training session off-site and away from Gosch’s Paddock.
The move to St. Kevin’s will be one of many times the Rebels will look to integrate with the local rugby community.
The College hold as a special significance for the Melbourne Rebels, with three of the current playing group having played their rugby at the college.
Teacher in Charge of Rugby at St Kevin’s College, Mr Kevin Culliver, said it was a delight for the school to host the Rebels.
“St Kevin’s College is school of over 2,000 boys and this particular facility for rugby came about in 1932, so…it’s been able to develop slowly but surely over the years,” Mr Culliver said.
“We are in fairly close proximity to the Melbourne CBD, so that means that the professional teams often do look for a venue.
"The Rebels have got the opportunity to use our facilities this morning, and we’re very pleased to have them here.”
Rebels and Test rake, Jordan Uelese, and young centre, Sione Tuipolotu, are Old Boy graduates of St. Kevin’s College, having risen through the ranks of the school’s First XV.
Young full back Henry Hutchison also called the Toorak campus ‘home’, before moving to Sydney’s St. Ignatius’ College Riverview, to finish out his secondary schooling.
“We’re very fortunate that there are three Rebels boys who attended here as students,” Mr Culliver said.
“Jordan Uelese is a St Kevin’s boy and we’re very proud that he is also our first Wallaby.
“Sione Tuipolotu had a stellar career here in the first XV and is often looked towards to being the ‘star’. I think it’s because he’s got a little brother still here.
“Henry Hutchison attended here for several years before he went to Sydney and relocated there.
“Hopefully, (there will be) many more to come!”
Melbourne Rebels General Manager – Rugby, Nick Ryan said relocating the venue for Wednesday’s session was part of the Rebels’ long-term commitment to strengthening the ties between the Club and the rugby community.
“We’re delighted and very appreciative of St. Kevin’s to host us this morning at their superb facilities. It’s been nice for the playing group to have a bit of a change of scenery,” Ryan said.
“Taking the team to the community is a big focus so that we can connect and influence with the local community.
“We have more plans to take the playing group to these community clubs through the rest of the year. Especially to venues like Fountain Gate Secondary College where we’ve been able to set up a strong rugby program through the support of Rugby Victoria.
“We look forward to this being the being a regular part of the Rebels schedule and the Victorian rugby community.”
The Rebels will have the weekend off this week, before hosting a hungry Sunwolves outfit at AAMI Park on Friday 25 May.
