The Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria are proud to announce the inclusions of three Victorian Club players for the Rebels of Japan this week after strong performances for the Victorian Axemen.
Axemen Angus Blair, Stefan Destounis and Jono Lightfoot have been named in the Rebels 23-man squad in what will be the Rebels first trip to the Land of the Rising Sun since 2019.
Blair and Destounis will join Lightfoot and their new teammates for the first time later today, after recently returning from the Axemen’s State Rugby Championships campaign in Adelaide last week.
Today’s announcement continues an exciting month for the Victorian rugby community following the successful completion of the men’s and women’s Club finals for the first time since 2019, the inaugural Victorian Club Series which saw the state’s best test themselves against the Melbourne Rebels, and last weekend’s stellar State Championship victory by the Victorian Women’s State team.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said the trio’s selection highlighted the exciting opportunities available for players in Victoria.
“This is a fantastic reward for Jono, Stefan and Angus, and a great achievement for their families, their coaches, their local Club and our wider Victorian rugby community, who’s hard work and support has been crucial to growing rugby across our state,” said Stiles.
“Our Club is determined to strengthen Victorian Rugby, and we’ve shown that through the success of our pathways, through supporting men’s and women’s rugby of all ages, levels and abilities, and of course last month’s Victorian Club Series.
“Selecting this talented trio for an overseas tour is another example of that commitment we have to growing our game, and once again shows, if you play in Melbourne, there are great opportunities to push yourself and develop further.”
Rugby Victoria CEO, Chris Evans, echoed Stiles’ thoughts, saying the opportunity was well deserved.
“The Melbourne Rebels have been a great supporter of Victorian Rugby and this announcement just highlights how special our partnership is and the quality of talent here in Victorian Rugby,” said Evans.
“Their promotions are something our whole community should be proud of, and I look forward to seeing how they develop at the next level.”
Outside centre, Angus Blair, reflected on the moment he first found out about his surprise selection – a lunchtime call at a local Subway.
“It’s honestly unreal – I still can’t believe it,” said Blair.
“I was munching on a footlong at Subway around lunchtime, and then received a call from a random number. It ended up being Footey, which was a pretty big shock. Footey congratulated me on my season, and then said there’s a trip to Japan coming up, so start packing.
“I honestly thought it was a prank call, but after the chat, I called my partner straight away and she got very loud and up and about at work, which was great.”
Originally hailing from Christchurch (NZ), Stephan Destounis, credited Victorian Rugby’s strong competition for helping him ‘win the opportunity of a lifetime.’
“I never expected anything like this to come out from the Club season,” said Destounis.
“I’ve been really fortunate playing under some great coaches and thinkers of the game at Harlequins – guys who have created at a standard at our Club and one that carried through to Axemen.
“The physicality we have in Victoria helps prepare you for higher honours where you’re going to come against bigger guys. Having an understanding of the breakdown and general physicality has been a big eye opener. My time in Victorian Rugby and with the Axemen has definitely helped prepare me for what’s to come in Japan.”
After making his Rebels’ debut during the recent Victorian Club Series, Jono Lightfoot says he’s looking forward to strengthening his relationship with his new teammates in Japan.
“It’s been my dream since I was a kid, said Lightfoot.
“Seeing guys like Tom English, Trevor Hosea and guys like that rise up through the ranks is inspiring for Victorian players like myself and gives you the belief that it is possible.
“Having guys like Theo Fourie and Dickie Hardwick has really helped me out, and feel like I’m part of the team, so I’m really excited for what’s ahead.”
