The Melbourne Rebels Women have announced their first team for the inaugural round of the new Buildcorp Super W competition against the Western Force Women on Sunday in Perth.
Rebels Women Head Coach Alana Thomas has named a travelling squad of 24 players for the season opener in Perth with the match-day 23 to be finalised after the Captain’s Run on Saturday.
The starting line-up features ten players that represented the Rebels Women at the inaugural women’s competition at February’s Brisbane Global Rugby Tens, including Somoan international Sharlene Fagalilo.
The Rebels Women will welcome back experienced hooker in Australian international and reigning Victorian women’s Player of the year Ashley Masters for the first game of the season.
Cook Islands rugby league international Jayne Kareroa will lead a Rebels Women side that’s dominated by local Victorian talent.
“We’re all excited that Super W is here, it’s not only a great milestone for women’s rugby in Victoria but a monumental occasion for Australian women’s rugby,” Rebels Women Head Coach Alana Thomas said.
“We’ve already experienced a great learning curve in the professionalism and standard of women’s rugby during our pre-season so I’m looking forward to seeing the continued positive impact with the kick-off of the Buildcorp Super W.
“After a great pre-season campaign, we can’t wait to get on the road for the opening round and fortify our bond as Rebels Women to start a new era.”
The match will be broadcasted live by rugby.com.au and broadcasted by Fox Sports.
2018 Buildcorp Super WWestern Force Women v Melbourne Rebels WomenSunday 11 March 2018Cottesloe Rugby Club, Perth, AustraliaKick-Off: 3.00pm (local) / 6.00pm (AEDT)
Melbourne Rebels Women team for Sunday 11 March vs Western Force Women
Sammi Homewood
Ashley Marsters
Janita Kareta
Casey Homewood
Anna Milne
Phoebe Linder-Patton
Sharlene Fagalilo
Loanna Lelei
Georgia Cormick
Meretiana Robinson
Melenaite Sofele
Jayne Kareroa (c)
Jocelyn Davis
Mikaela Welti
Jazz Bennedick
Reserves
Jacs Teo
Nesa Tapuai
Paula Ioane
Alice Tonumaivao
Rachael Pike
Tulia Pula
Rebekah Jones
Tessa Brown
Alice Masters
