The Melbourne Rebels will return to the City of Ballarat for the next two years after the club signed a partnership with St Patrick's College to host an annual pre-season training camp.
A memorandium of understanding (MOU) was signed between the Super Rugby club and the prestigious school until the end of 2020 after a successful camp in the regional Victorian city last week.
Along with an annual camp, the commitment will see the club take a National Rugby Championship (NRC) game to Ballarat in 2018 and foster a close working relationship with Victorian Country Rugby.“We’re pleased to partner with St Patrick's College and Victorian Country Rugby to ensure the Melbourne Rebels have an ongoing presence and support for rugby in regional Victoria,” Melbourne Rebels General Manager Professional Rugby Pathways Nick Ryan said.
“We were overwhelmed by the local support and high performance facilities available to us to ensure a successful pre-season camp in Ballarat last week so we’re thrilled to commit to an annual visit for the next three years.
“We have a responsibility to foster the game of rugby in regional Victoria so we look forward to working closely with local associations and clubs to grow the sport and provide development opportunities for local players, coaches and administrators.”
The Rebels commitment to country rugby will see the club host a Victorian Country Rugby coaching clinic and Fan Day coinciding with the Rebels second round clash against the Sunwolves on Saturday 3 March.
Rebels staff and players will conduct a local coaching clinic for players and coaches, as well as providing ongoing coaching support for St Patrick's College over the 2018 season.
“We were impressed by the professionalism of the Rebels throughout their stay with us and in particular the respectful manner in which they used our facilities and engaged with our community. We look forward to the mutual benefit that will flow from the partnership between us,” St Patrick's College Business Manager Andrew Ballesty said.
“This partnership will provide immeasurable gains for our rugby program, whilst highlighting future pathways for those interested in playing rugby beyond their time at school. It will also serve to offer opportunities to many within our local community, inclusivity that is at the core of our College’s mission,” St Patrick's College Director of Rugby and Boarding Mike Silcock said.
Rebels Head Coach Dave Wessels took the club’s extended squad and staff to Ballarat last week to continue their 2018 Vodafone Super Rugby preparations with a two-day camp featuring intense training and off-field education.
The regional city has a special place in the club’s history with the 1854 Eureke Stockade, which saw a rebellion of miners successfully revolt against the colonial authority during the gold rush, providing inspiration for the Rebels identity, including name, logo and creed.
The Melbourne Rebels will kick-off its 2018 Super Rugby campaign at home against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park on Friday 23 February from 7.30pm (AEDT).
Join the Rebel Army for the 2018 Super Rugby with memberships now on sale from as little as $88 for an adult, $35 for children and $218 for a family of four for all eight home games.
