The Melbourne Rebels have stormed through their first block of pre-season training, with several of the Club’s rising stars leading from the front.
Eyda Haisila, Joe Pincus, Lukas Ripley and Sam Wallis have each impressed with their tenacity, willingness to learn, and overall ball skills in what was their first month of training with the Rebels.
Returning Rebels Carter Gordon, Joe Powell and Young Tonumaipea have all produced strong starts ahead of their second season of Super Rugby in Melbourne, while Brad Wilkin has also made promising progress over the opening block.
The former Junior Wallaby entered his fourth pre-season with the Rebels in impressive physical condition and appears destined for a big sixth year of Super Rugby, playing alongside Richard Hardwick and Michael Wells in a deep back-row.
Meanwhile, Ross Halyett-Petty and Trevor Hosea’s leadership at the set-piece has also been a highlight, with the pair continuing to guide the Club’s next generation of locks including Thomas Nowlan and exciting Victorian, Josh Canham.
Rebels’ Head Coach, Kevin Foote, said he’s been pleased by the squad’s overall drive and determination during the opening block.
“The players have really attacked this first period of training which has been great, and morale is really high amongst the group,” said Foote.
“Obviously we started preseason early this year, which has allowed us to focus on the basics of the game and our culture pieces.
“There’s been a lot of outstanding guys who have come in from club rugby, who have shared their stories with us, which has further strengthened our identity.”
As the Rebels embark on their second block of pre-season training, the first week of November shapes an exciting time for rugby across with Victoria.
Burn Boy, Rob Leota, will make his third Wallabies’ Test start in tonight’s Spring Tour clash against Scotland, while next year’s Super Rugby Pacific fixtures are set to arrive as early as next week.
After two interrupted seasons, Super Rugby will return to AAMI Park in 2022, with Rebels’ fans able to attend 7 home games next year – the most since 2019.
The significance of playing back in front of the Club’s loyal members is not lost on Kevin Foote, nor playing group.
“Being back at AAMI and following our stars to come back home is really special for us and our loving community.”
“It’s been a challenging couple of years for everybody, but to return back where our Club belongs and play in front our members and supporters who mean so much to our players and everyone at the Melbourne Rebels, it’s going to be a great time.
“It’s really driving us, and we can’t wait.”
