The Melbourne Rebels hit the road today for its second trial of the offseason, as the Club continues to strengthen its cohesion ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Rebel will take on the Brumbies at Greenfield Park, Albury, with Rebels Head Coach Kevin Foote bringing a 27-man squad up for the clash.
Experienced pair Sam Talakai and Richard Hardwick join Tamati Ioane, Carter Gordon and Lachie Anderson in the starting XV, while recent signing Monty Ioane looks set for his first appearance in Melbourne Rebels colours, named on the left wing.
The clash shapes as Ioane’s first game in almost six-months, with the twenty-seven-year-old looking to gain valuable match practice ahead of next month’s Tests for Italy.
“I can’t wait to get out there with the boys," said Ioane.
"The last few weeks have been awesome getting to know my new teammates and settling back into the Victorian community.
"We’ve already built great chemistry training out in the community, and working together in the gym, so I’m excited to now take that out onto the field on Thursday against the Brumbies.”
Joining Ioane will be Josh Kemeny, who will make his Rebels’ return after successfully recovering from last year’s ACL injury.
The finishing group will feature a number of the Club's emerging talent, headlined by Junior Wallabies trio Lukas Ripley, Mason Gordon and David Vaihu, while Cameron Orr will run out for his second trial of the pre-season.
While the game won’t be streamed online, Rebels Media will provide post-game coverage.
