The Melbourne Rebels are excited to announce two more key signings, with Lachie Anderson and Joe Pincus re-committing to the club for another two years.
Fresh off a promising start to the 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season, the new contracts will see both players remain at the club until the end of the 2025 season.
The duo’s re-commitment continues an exciting few days for Rebels’ fans, following the recent re-signings of starting No.8 Vaiolini Ekuasi, homegrown lock Josh Canham, and coaching trio, Kevin Foote, Geoff Parling and Tim Sampson, as the Rebels continue to strengthen their cohesion.
Melbourne Rebels Attack Coach, Tim Sampson, said it was fantastic to retain two explosive backs, whose games complement the Rebels’ attacking game plan.
“These are two great signings for the club. They are two young men that play a similar position in the outside backs for us and add a really nice dimension to our game. They’re powerful and fast athletes, which ties into our game model of playing fast, fearless, and resolute.” Sampson said.
“Not only that but they’re also both outstanding trainers, their output at training each today is exceptional.”
Following a decorated five-year career with the Australian Sevens which included representing Australia at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, Anderson arrived at the Rebels at the beginning of the 2020 Super Rugby season, quickly establishing himself as one of the most popular and well-respected figures at the Club.
After going on to make his XV’s debut against the Western Force later that year, he enjoyed a breakout 2021 campaign, starting six of seven games, scoring tries against the Western Force and the Waratahs before an injury struck the dynamic winger down in 2022.
The twenty-five-year-old has hit the ground running this season, starting all eight matches, while developing great on-field chemistry with Andrew Kellaway, Reece Hodge and Monty Ioane.
As the Rebels continue to invest in its young talent and attacking playing style, Anderson said he was excited for what the future holds down at The Stockade.
“I’m extremely excited for the opportunity to call Melbourne home for at least another two years,” Anderson said.
“Since moving here in 2020 I have loved the opportunity to grow, learn and develop both on and off the field. On top of that, being able to keep playing along side some of my best mates and under the guidance of Foote, Sampson, and Parling made it an easy decision to stay.
“I’ve taken huge confidence in playing week to week and repaying some of the faith the Club has shown in me after an injury-interrupted 2022 campaign. Hopefully I can continue to build on that in the years to come.”
Fellow Olympian, Joe Pincus, first arrived in Melbourne after the Club’s ‘Super Signing Day’ in June 2021, bringing with him a wealth of international experience, having been a key contributor for the Australian Men’s Sevens team after making his World Series debut in London in 2018.
After an injury-riddled 2022 campaign, Pincus has been one of the competition’s finds of the season, with the twenty-six-year-old carrying over his strong pre-season form into Super Rugby, starting four of five matches at fullback, including scoring a crucial try in the Rebels thrilling win over the Queensland Reds in Round 5.
The versatile back said he’s thrilled to be staying in Melbourne and working under some of the best minds in Super Rugby.
“I’ve loved getting my first taste of Super Rugby this year. I love the style of play we are playing at the moment and the freedom the coaches give us when it comes to game day,” Pincus said.
“The direction the team is heading in was a big reason why I re-signed, not to mention I love living and playing in Melbourne.
“The coaches have played a big role in my transition to Fifteens. Footey has been extremely helpful on the defensive side of things, and Sambo does a great job preparing us through the week. They don’t try and change our playing identity but rather put is in a position to use our strengths, and I think that’s been a key part of my transition to Fifteens.”
