The Melbourne Rebels are excited to announce the key re-signing of another homegrown Wallaby, Jordan Uelese, who has penned a new two-year deal today.
The twenty-six-year-old will now remain a Melbourne Rebel until at least the end of the 2025 season.
Uelese is the second Victorian with international experience to re-sign with the Rebels in as many weeks, joining Moorabbin Rams product Pone Fa’amasuili, who signed a new two-year-deal on Thursday.
Uelese was a consistent late game performer this year, playing 12 games alongside Alex Mafi, while also becoming the first Victorian to play 50 Super Rugby matches for his hometown Club.
The powerfully built hooker’s form was so impressive he caught the eye of new Wallabies Coach, Eddie Jones, who announced Uelese in his opening squad for the year.
A proud product of the Victorian Rugby development system, Uelese first arrived at The Stockade in 2017, going on to play three games in his maiden Super Rugby season, after debuting against the Blues at home.
Later that year, an impressive World Rugby Under-20’s Championship campaign led to the then twenty-year-old winning selection in the Wallabies squad for The Rugby Championship, where Uelese played two matches in his debut international season.
Uelese has since accumulated 15 Test Caps for Australia including playing at the 2019 World Cup in Japan, while making 57 appearances for his hometown Rebels, becoming a valuable leader both on and off the field for the next generation of Victorian Rebels.
Uelese said he’s excited for the future ahead with the Rebels.
“Growing up I always dreamt about representing the Rebels, so to have the opportunity this year to reach 50 caps was a special moment for myself, my family and the community,” said Uelese.
“I’m now focused on the next 50 games here in Melbourne and achieving success as a group and I believe we’re on a great path. We made significant growth this year and we’re going to continue to build in 2024.
“Having the opportunity to continue representing my hometown Club, playing in front of my family and friends is something that’s really important to me and I can’t wait to get started for next season.
“I’m also thrilled to continue working with the next generation of Victorian’s coming through like Isaac Kailea, Lebron Naea, Daniel Maiava, Divad Palu and Leafi Talataina. It’s an exciting time for our state and I’m pumped to remain a part of it.”
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby said the Club was proud to see Uelese continue to lead the way for Victorian players.
“Jordan has been an exceptional role model for a number of Victorian’s coming through our system, so to have him recommit to the Rebels is a fantastic achievement for the Rebels and the Victorian rugby community,” said Stiles.
“We take great pride in seeing our homegrown players excel at the Super Rugby level, so to retain someone of Jordan’s calibre, both as a player and a person, is awesome news for our Club.”
