It’s been a huge week for Australian rugby, the Melbourne Rebels and Victorian sports fans in general.
On Monday, the draw for the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific season was confirmed, with several highlights for the Rebels revealed, including 3 family friendly matches, 4 themed rounds and a spectacular Round 2 Super Round which will see all 12 teams descend upon Melbourne for 3 days of Super Rugby magic.
To help spread the excitement, a number of players and staff got out and spoke to some of Melbourne's favourite media personalities.
Cameron Orr joins RSN's The Breakfast Club to speak about the exciting new era of Super Rugby
On Thursday morning, Cameron Orr spoke with RSN’s Daniel Harford and Adam White about the new format and why Season 2022 will be an exciting time for Victorian rugby.
“I really like the structure they’re moving towards, with a bigger finals group,” said Orr.
“It makes sure everyone is represented and teams like Fijian Drua and Moana Pasifika can get exposure, because there’s thousands of players who we lose to the Northern Hemisphere because there’s not enough spots for them.
“It will be great - we’re all excited to have 7 games back at home, plus 7 away, playing some big teams a couple of times.”
To listen to Cam’s chat in full, click here.
Kevin Foote chats all things Rebels’ rugby with SEN’s Andy Maher and Dermott Brereton
Our media appearances continued Thursday afternoon, when Rebels’ Head Coach, Kevin Foote, stopped by SEN to speak with the legendary Andy Maher and Dermott Brereton.
Foote said the announcement capped an exciting time for the Club, with the team making great strides in its second phase of pre-season work, after beginning training in October.
“It’s been a challenging time, but the guys have been really positive and we’re really happy with where they’re at and the leadership group has really stepped up.” said Foote.
“We started early, kicking off training in October, where a lot of guys didn’t get a break because of the Covid situation, but they’ve been really positive, so we’re pretty pumped.”
Following Monday’s confirmation the Rebels would be playing their highest number of home games since 2019, Foote said the playing group was excited to finally “put their roots down” back at AAMI Park.
“We’ve got seven home games, which will be awesome having been away for so long during the Covid break.”
“To be back in front of our family and friends, and in front of our fans at AAMI is very, very special. Our first game against the Brumbies will be in Super Round, so that will be awesome for our community as well.”
It’s not every day your Head Coach is involved in the making of a Hollywood movie, but for Kevin Foote this became a reality back in 2009, when he coached Matt Damon on the fundamentals of tackling for the movie Invictus.
“I was obviously star-struck when Matt came across and they asked me to teach him how to tackle.”
“He gave everything – he didn’t make any tackles, but he gave it his all, running around the dirt. I was asking him about the Bourne Supremacy, and he was asking me how to tackle.
“I wouldn’t say he was a natural rugby player, but he was a great, great, guy.”
To listen to Kevin’s conversation with Andy and Dermott, click here.
To be a part of what promises to be a huge 2022, click here.
