After 12 years, 181 Super Rugby games and countless memories made, the Melbourne Rebels will bid farewell to one of its most beloved and accomplished characters, with Foundation staff member Mark Rowe announcing tomorrow’s match against the Highlanders will be his last with the Club.
Recently selected for next month’s Australia A Pacific Nations Cup Campaign, Rowe broke the news to the Rebels’ playing group on Tuesday morning that he’ll be resigning on July 29.
“Leaving the Rebels after 12 years, I just felt from the bottom of my heart it was the right time for both me and the Club,” said Rowe.
“I’ve had a time wonderful here, met so many great people and built lasting relationships, but it’s time for a new adventure, for my next phase of my life and I’m really excited to embark on that chapter.”
Hailing from Brisbane, Rowe enjoyed a successful career with the Australian Army for over 20 years, before venturing to Melbourne and becoming an integral member of the Victorian Rugby community as Team Manager for the Victorian Under-21’s (1999) and the Victorian Axeman (2000 – 2010).
During this time, Rowe would represent the Australian University Rugby Team (2004 – 2005) and the Wallaroos (2006 – 2010) as Team Manager, including the national side’s appearance at the 2006 Rugby World Cup in Canada.
Rowe would also play an important role as Team Manager for the Australian Women’s Sevens team during the inaugural 2009 Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament which Australian would be crowned champions.
In 2010, Rowe was appointed Assistant Team Manager for the Melbourne Rebels’ inaugural Super Rugby season. During his time with the Rebels, Rowe would perform various roles including Logistics Manager and Team Manager.
Over his twelve years at the Club, Rowe became one of the Rebels’ most adored and cherished members of its rugby family, going above and beyond living the values of the Club, building everlasting relationships with every staff member and all 188 capped Melbourne Rebels players.
Melbourne Rebels legends Tom English, Laurie Weeks and James Hanson took time earlier in the week to pay tribute to their great mate ‘Rowie.’
Rebel 50, Tom English (97 Rebels Super Rugby Appearances)
One of my favourite stories of Mark Rowe came in 2019 or 2020 when I had just announced I was leaving the Club and coming to Japan.
I think a couple weeks before we wrapped up and Mark said to me “Oh, young fella, come grab some extra socks and boots before you head off.”
I thought, okay here we go! Keys to the kingdom! I’ve never met a more tight-fisted manager in my life and here is the great Mark about to give me a few parting gifts.
So anyway, I walk around to the staff shed, which I never thought existed until he opened it right up.
He went inside and pulled up two stumps and a warm slab of Melbourne Bitters and we sat there and drank a few tinnies and talked about the good times.
Then over time more people came by, including my great mate Sam Jeffries and then Hendo (Nick Henderson), Eoin Toolan and Shane Lehane.
It was a great moment and just a testament to the bloke he his, making sure everyone’s okay and connecting with them one last time before they move on to whatever it is they’re going to do. I have a lot of love for you Rowie and I wish you all the best.
Rebel 86, James Hanson (53 Rebels Super Rugby Appearances)
The Sarge is truly one of the great men of Australian Rugby. He’s been involved with the Club and Victorian Rugby for so long now.
I had the privilege of working with him in 2007 with the original ARC team as a young pup.
He’s always been a stickler for rules. I remember one tour when he ripped into me for not having my shoes polished.
I think having that army background means a lot to him. It’s always a special occasion with the ANZAC Round, we always get around Rowie and that means a lot to him and us.
He’s been such a big part of this Club and he always will be.
He’s a great man and I wish him all the best for the future.
Rebel 19, Laurie Weeks (85 Rebels Super Rugby Appearances)
My favourite memory of Rowie was honestly the first time I met him.
I was up in Queensland playing for the Reds, and I had just signed with the Rebels and Rowie took me out for lunch and said, “I’m going to take you out for lunch, welcome you to the Rebels and show you what it’s all about.”
He took me to the Normanby Hotel and brought me a steak, and when I say brought, I ended up having to pay for my own lunch, so I was like look at this guy from the army! (laughing)
But I’m joking, Rowie is an amazing person, and everyone at the Club owes him a great deal.
I love the guy through and through, and what a king he is – we would’ve been lost without him.
To support Rowie in his final game, click here.
