The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to announce they have locked away another exciting young talent, with Lukas Ripley re-committing for another two seasons.
The powerful back will now remain a Melbourne Rebel until at least the end of the 2025 season, joining Wallabies Jordan Uelese and Josh Kemeny, Australia A trio Josh Canham, Pone Fa'amausili and Lachie Anderson, Australian U20’s pair Mason Gordon and David Vaihu, and rising stars David Feliua, Angelo Smith and Joe Pincus, who have all re-committed with the Rebels.
Ripely arrived in Melbourne in 2021 regarded as one of the most exciting young centers in Australian rugby, and the samoan-born prodigy did not disappoint, with Ripley going on to make six appearances in his first season for the Rebels.
At just nineteen-years-old, Ripley announced his arrival to Rebels’ fans during the Club’s Round 14 clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington, becoming one of the youngest players to score a hat-trick in Super Rugby history.
Ripley has since gone on to be selected in 14 matches over his first two seasons with the Rebels, and looms as a crucial player for the Club moving forward.
The former Junior Wallabies star said the opportunity to remain in a system that complimented his attacking game made his decision an easy one.
“The passion and drive within the Melbourne Rebels community has really inspired me to work hard and work towards a common goal with my teammates to deliver and bring positive change to the Rebels,” said Ripley.
“Our playing style of fast, fearless and resolute really compliments my game. I love to pull the trigger and try new things outside of the box, while also being determined and resilient, and with the team we have and that we’re building, I know we can build some good combinations and success is just around the corner.”
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby Nick Stiles said Ripley’s re-signing was great news for the Rebels, continuing a strong off-season of player signings.
“Lukas is a player with great potential and someone who’s really grown as a player and person in his second season at the Rebels,” said Stiles.
“We’ve already seen what impact he can make at the Super Rugby level, and we believe with his outstanding talent and work rate, Lukas will be an important part of the Melbourne Rebels future.”
“Lukas’ commitment shows great faith in our rugby program, the coaches who are leading it, our talent we have moving forward, and the strong culture we’re continuing to build here at the Rebels.”
