The Melbourne Rebels have put the finishing touches on an incredible week of celebrations, hosting a memorable Club Family Day at Harlequin Rugby Club last night.
In front of a packed house with over 2,000 spectators in attendance, the Rebels celebrated the dawning of a new season by playing out a thrilling four-try-a-piece trial against Fijian Drua.
The ninety-minute contest was divided into two 45-minute halves, with the Rebels naming a first and second half line-up sporting a blend of youth and experience.
There were a number of positive takeaways for Kevin Foote’s side, with Wyndham product Daniel Maiva and the dashing Glen Vaihu standing up against the physicality of the Fijians, while Matt Gibbon and Matt To’omua look set for dominant 2022 campaigns following their eye-catching performances.
Prior to the clash, the Rebels conducted free rugby clinics for all juniors in attendance, as Melbourne’s sole Super Rugby franchise continues to strengthen its connection with the Victorian community.
The Rebels used the special occasion to unveil this year’s No.1 Ticketholder, Harlequin rugby legend Maciu Vosa, who was surprised by Rugby Victoria Board of Directors Alan Latu and Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson.
Stephenson presented Vosa with his very own 2022 Rebels jersey in front of his adoring family and friends during the second interval.
Maciu’s wife Kylie Vosa said the surprise was a moment her family will never forget.
“I got the surprise call earlier in the week and I was so pumped to take Matthew down there for the Rebels’ return,” said Kylie Vosa.
“The fact it was at Quins, his home Club in front of his Fijian community after two-years away from rugby, it felt like a warm embrace from the rugby community, and it was a really lovely day and experience for our family.”
After spending the past two years at home including six-month’s bedbound, Maciu said it felt incredible to be back attending the game he so deeply loves, in front of family and friends.
“The last two-years stuck at home watching rugby on television has been hard, but yesterday’s surprise and coming down back to Quins for such a great game gave me a big boost and lifted up my spirts for the game of rugby,” said Matt Vosa.
“I’m so thrilled to become the Rebels’ No.1 Ticketholder and to be able to come down and cheer the boys.”
Ground announcer and Rugby Victoria Board of Directors, Alan Latu, said it was special day of community, connection, and rugby.
“Rugby returned back to Victoria right in the heartland of Club rugby,” said Latu.
“It was great to have Matty Vosa so surprised and just stunned by the opportunity to become the Rebels’ No.1 Ticketholder, a man who was born and bred in Melbourne, so it was a great moment for everyone who attended.
“We’re all now so excited for the new season to start.”
Following two season launches, the opening of the ICS High Performance gym and Tuesday’s record-breaking commercial signing day, the Rebels will now turn their focus to next Saturday, when the Club opens its Super Rugby Pacific campaign against the Reds at Suncorp Stadium.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Queensland Reds next Saturday at 7:45 PM. The game can be seen live and on demand on Stan Sports.
