The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to announce two more exciting re-signings, with Australian Under-20’s stars Mason Gordon and David Vaihu re-committing to the Club.
The duo have penned a new one-year-deal and will remain at the Rebels until at least the end of the 2024 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season, bolstering Melbourne’s impressive core of young talent.
Today’s news caps an exciting few weeks for the Rebels, following the key re-signings of Victorian lock Josh Canham, back rower Vaiolini Ekuasi, Angelo Smith, and backs Lachie Anderson and Joe Pincus.
Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said it was great news to retain two promising players. “It’s great news for our Club being able to re-sign two highly sought after players like Mason Gordon and David Vaihu,” said Stiles.
“Both players have worked extremely hard in their third year at the Rebels and are two really exciting prospects for us moving forward.
“David and Mason have tremendous character, are both hard workers and are determined to continue growing as people and as players, which compliments the culture we’re building at our Club.”
After arriving at the Rebels at the beginning of the 2021 pre-season alongside older brother Carter, Mason has grown from an exciting schoolboy talent to someone leading the way for the next generation of Melbourne Rebels, pushing for senior selection every week.
Gordon said learning off some of Australian rugby’s best players and having the opportunity to work with world class coaches and high-performance staff were the catalysts behind his re-commitment.
“The reason I wanted to stay in Melbourne is because I’m learning so much and developing quickly in Melbourne,” said Gordon.
“I have some unbelievable Coaches and Strength and Conditioning staff assisting with my development. As well as having my brother Carter there and learning off him, working with the likes of Andrew Kellaway has definitely impacted my decision to stay in Melbourne at the Rebels.
“Looking ahead to the future, I’d love to debut and represent the Rebels at the Super Rugby Pacific level. I think the coaches and myself are constantly working to develop my game so that I can play my style of footy with confidence when that time comes.”
Joining Gordon, is David Vaihu, who continues to rapidly develop after arriving at the Rebels in 2021.
An explosive back, Vaihu was a key contributor playing alongside a number of Rebels’ teammates during West’s drought breaking Hospital Cup championship, before representing the Rebels Under-19 squad in the 2022 National Championships.
Vaihu credited the Rebels strong culture as the prime factor behind his re-signing.
“The main thing was the big emphasis on the major pillar, ‘Ubuntu’ - I am because we are, “ said Vaihu.
“Being a member of such a close-knit club that is very family orientated and inclusive is something I want to stay a part of.
“As well as the playing group who want to put their best hand forward not only for themselves but for their teammate right beside them. The Rebels has been very welcoming to me and made me feel at home away from home, so being able to recommit is one thing I’m proud of as the Club has a very exciting future ahead”
Gordon and Vaihu this week joined their Rebels’ teammates Daniel Maiava and Leafi Talataina on the Gold Coast this week in preparation for the Junior Wallabies opening match against New Zealand at NZCIS in Wellington on Monday.
Vaihu said he was looking forward to representing his country alongside his Rebels’ teammates.
“I’m over the moon to have this opportunity and really eager to showcase my ability on the world stage with it being a World Cup year.”
“Being able to share that opportunity with some familiar faces like Leafi, Daniel and Mason, makes it extra special as well.”
