The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to announce the re-signings of exciting trio Mason Gordon, David Vaihu and Daniel Maiava.
Gordon and Vaihu have committed to the Rebels until at least the end of 2023, while Maiava has penned a new two-year deal, bolstering Melbourne’s impressive core of young talent.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby Nick Stiles said it was fantastic to retain three promising players.
“It’s awesome to have three highly sought-after players like Daniel Maiava, David Vaihu and Mason Gordon, all re-commit to the Rebels and want to continue being part of the culture we’re creating here in Melbourne,” said Stiles.
“Mason and David have worked extremely hard in their second year with the Club and are two exciting prospects for us moving forward.
“Daniel has played three games in his first season with the Rebels after graduating from our Academy Program just last year, so it’s been awesome seeing that next wave of Victorian talent come through our pathway systems and make their Super Rugby debut.”
The trio’s re-commitment caps a memorable morning for the Rebels after Maiava, Gordon and Vaihu joined Rebels’ teammates Lukas Ripley and Zac Hough in Nathan Grey’s 30-man Junior Wallabies Oceania Under 20’s Championship Squad.
Assembling in Brisbane on June 11, the national side is preparing for the upcoming Oceania Rugby Under 20’s Championships kicking off on the Sunshine Coast on July 1 against Argentina.
“It’s great to have five Rebels selected in the national program, two of which have played Super Rugby this season, while four of the five players chosen this year will be available for Under 20’s selection in 2023 as well.”
“As a Club, we’re focused on developing the next generation of Melbourne Rebels to the best of our abilities, so we’re really proud to have five Rebels chosen in the Junior Wallabies squad and we’re excited to see how they’ll perform in July.”
2022 Oceania Rugby U20 Championship Schedule (Sunshine Coast Stadium)
Junior Wallabies v Argentina, Friday 1 July 2022, 7:00pm AEST
Junior Wallabies v Fiji, Tuesday 5 July 2022, 4:00pm AEST
Junior Wallabies v New Zealand, Sunday 10 July 2022, 4:00pm AEST
