The Melbourne Rebels have further strengthened its playing depth for the future, with the key re-signing of centre, David Feliuai.
Feliuai will now remain a Melbourne Rebel until at least the end of 2025.
The new deal ensures the Rebels retain an important member of its 2023 campaign, with Feliuai selected for his sixth performance of the season yesterday, after making his Super Rugby debut during the Club’s thrilling Round 3 win over the Waratahs.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said it was a fantastic reward for Feliuai, who has hit the ground running since arriving at the Rebels in the off-season.
“David has impressed everyone at the Club with his attitude and work ethic and is someone who’s grown a lot since arriving at the Rebels,” said Stiles.
“David has become a prominent figure in our match day squad in just his first season, and personality-wise, has been a great fit for the environment we’re creating, so we’re really pleased to have him returning to our Club for the next two seasons.”
Raised in Brisbane, Feliuai began his senior rugby career representing Kafiga Samoa in the 2019 Global Rapid Rugby Showcase, before plying his trade over in Europe, leading CSM Baia Mare to back-to-back premierships in Romania.
After returning to Australia in 2021, Feliuai’s eye-catching form playing for Sunnybank in the Hospital Cup led to the twenty-five-year-old realising his Super Rugby dreams and winning selection in the Melbourne Rebels 2023 squad.
David Feliuai said he was excited for what the future holds in Melbourne.
“I’m super excited to be re-signing with the Rebels,” said Feliuai.
“This Club gave me a chance and believed in me, so I’m always going to be grateful for that, and I’m excited to repay their faith.
“The boys, the coaches and Club staff, have made it smooth to transition here. The whole place has been really family-orientated, so that was a key factor in my re-signing.
“Coming from a Samoan background, when I came here, I was blown away by this Club being such a multicultural place, where everyone embraces each other’s culture and background.
“I absolutely love that about the Rebels and I’m so excited to see what we’re going to achieve on the field in the future.”
