The Melbourne Rebels are proud to announce the signing of another talented young lock, with Angelo Smith re-committing to the Club.
Smith has inked a new multi-year deal, bolstering the Club’s second row stocks, and will remain a Melbourne Rebel until at least the end of the 2025 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
The twenty-two-year-old’s signing caps an exciting few weeks for the Rebels, following the Club capturing its first win in New Zealand since 2020, and the key re-signings of starting lock Josh Canham, back rower Vaiolini Ekuasi, and backs Lachie Anderson, and Joe Pincus.
Working under the tutelage of Assistant Coach, Geoff Parling, Smith has experienced a memorable opening season at The Stockade, with the Fijian giant making seven appearances for the Rebels, including making his maiden Super Rugby start during last weekend’s win over Moana Pasifika.
Parling said it was pleasing to retain such a promising young player.
“It’s great to see the reward for Angelo’s hard work,” said Parling.
“This has been his first professional environment and he’s worked hard and made a big impression on those around him.
“He’s grabbed his opportunity at the Club with both hands so far, so we’re excited for Angelo to continue developing and have a great career at the Rebels.”
Hailing from Suva in Fiji, Smith began his rugby journey playing for Marist Brothers High School.
Later relocating to Brisbane, the Fijian Under-20’s star enjoyed a stellar 2022 Hospital Cup campaign leading Wests to a drought-breaking premiership.
Playing alongside eight Melbourne Rebels, Smith would impress with his physicality, speed and intensity leading to selection in the Rebels off-season trials against the Brumbies, Victorian Axemen, and the Hanazono Kintetsu Liners in Japan.
Smith said he was grateful to continue his Super Rugby career playing in Melbourne.
“I’m really excited to be staying in this great city with this great Club for another two years,” said Smith
“I want to send a big thank you to Nick Stiles, Baden Stephenson, and the coaches for giving me this opportunity. It’s my first season of Super Rugby and the growth and learnings I’ve had working under Trevor Hosea and Rob Leota has been massive for me both on and off the field, and something I’m really grateful for.
“I felt very welcome from the first day I got here, which made it really easy to settle in and focus on my game, so I’m grateful for everyone at the Club supporting me during my first year. “I’ve still got heaps of room to grow, so I’m excited to keep working and being part of the Rebels.”
