The Melbourne Rebels have officially began pre-season training in preparation for Super Rugby Pacific, which is due to kick off in February 2022.
The club has enjoyed a strong start to this year’s campaign, undergoing training at Melbourne’s world class MSAC facilities at Albert Park.
The first week back began with an in-house meeting on Monday morning.
Rebels' Head Coach, Kevin Foote and Michael Wells set the agenda for the first block of training, laying out the key expectations to an enthusiastic group, consisting of savvy veteran leadership and exciting, budding youth.
“The big thing for everyone in this room is to be prepared,” Wells told the group.
“This is a professional system and there are more expectations on us as players to be our best.
“There’s so much knowledge and experience available from players to our staff, so to the new guys, seek it out and put your best foot forward during this camp.”
Echoing the Vice-Captain’s comments was Head Coach, Kevin Foote, who emphasised the necessity for accountability, hard work and resilience in the “season before the season.”
“We need to be focused and firing from day one,” said Foote.
“This is the Melbourne Rebels – whatever you put into Melbourne; you get back from Melbourne.”
Following this, a host of Rebels formally introduced the newest squad members to the group, with best on ground honours going to Thomas Nolan, for his introduction of Queenslander, Sam Wallis.
Nolan’s background in drama and public speaking shone brightly, as the young lock proved a hit to the playing group, leaving the entire room in complete raptures with his comedic timing and delivery.
Could SEN’s Rebels’ Radio have a new co-host? Stay tuned.
Following this, players were welcomed by the traditional greeting of a new season… fitness testing.
Over sixty gruelling minutes, our boys were put through their paces by the yo-yo test.
Joe Pincus, recorded the squad’s best result, followed closely by Joe Powell and Young Tonumaipea, who have both returned in impressive physical condition, setting a great example to the younger players on the self-discipline required to be a professional athlete.
For Pincus, it’s been a strong start to a new chapter in his playing career, following a successful five-year career with the Australian Sevens team, which culminated in representing his country at the recent Tokyo Olympics in July.
The versatile back is one of several fresh faces to have impressed with their fight, resoluteness and willingness to learn, along with Rebels’ Academy Graduate Eyda Haisila, 2021 debutant Michael Icely, former-Reds squad member Sam Wallis and nineteen-year-old, Lukas Ripley.
The highly touted centre has looked right at home with his explosive speed and imposing strength out on full display during the club’s field work, in what looms as an exciting year for the Junior Wallaby.
Meanwhile, returning Wallabies, Jordan Uelese, Michael Wells and Cameron Orr, have all displayed strong leadership early, making the squad’s new players feel immediately welcomed.
Register your interest in Rebels membership for 2022
With pre-season underway, all eyes are quickly turning to the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, now just four months away.
With the full draw soon to be released, we want you to be the first to know the full range of membership packages when they become available.
Register your interest below, and our membership team will contact you when the membership packages are available for purchase.
