The Melbourne Rebels have tonight bid farewell to a number of members from this year’s campaign following the completion of the 2023 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
As confirmed earlier this year, Rebels vice-captain Reece Hodge will depart his Super Rugby home to join French Club Boyonne on a three-year-deal.
It was a final season to remember for Rebel No.88, with Hodge making Club history earlier this month, becoming the first player to play 100 Super Rugby matches for the Rebels after making his debut back in 2015.
Joining Hodge in taking opportunities abroad for 2024 and beyond is second row pair Matt Philip and Trevor Hosea.
Following three years with the Western Force, Philip relocated to Melbourne in 2018, going on to play 63 matches for the Rebels over four seasons, winning the Club’s Players’ Player award in 2020.
Hosea departs having made 33 appearances over four years in Rebels colours.
A Victorian rugby product who graduated through the Rebels’ inaugural pathways program, Hosea developed into an important member of the club both on and off the field, mentoring the next generation of Victorian stars coming through the ranks including Josh Canham, Daniel Maiava and Isaac Kailea.
Club legend, Richard Hardwick, has also finished his time in Melbourne after six years and 67 matches for the Rebels. Hardwick departs as a fan favourite and one of the most respected figures in Melbourne Rebels history.
2020 Spirit of Weary Dunlop recipient, Cameron Orr, will also relocate from Melbourne having played 38 matches over four years.
Joining Orr is Monty Ioane, who is set to continue his career overseas after 14 appearances for the Rebels this year, and explosive pair Ray Nu’u and Tamati Ioane, who will depart after two seasons at the Rebels.
The Melbourne Rebels can also confirm the departures of Theo Fourie, Illikena Vudogo, Moses Sorovi, Tim Cardall and Jaiden Christian.
Our Club can also reveal we have some exciting announcements to make in the coming weeks regarding players signings and retention, as we shift our focus to the 2024 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific campaign.
The Melbourne Rebels wishes nothing but future success to this year’s departing players and thanks them for their hard work, dedication and commitment during their time with the Rebels and the wider Victorian rugby community.
Each player will always be a part of the Melbourne Rebels history and we wish them the very best in the next chapter of their careers.
Once a Rebel, Always a Rebel.
