The Melbourne Rebels have re-signed a second home-grown Rebel in as many weeks, with hulking prop Pone Fa’amausili inking a new one-year deal.
Today’s announcement caps an exciting week for the proud Victorian, after Fa’amausili won selection in Dave Rennie’s 35-man Wallabies squad for next month’s Test series against England.
After successfully overcoming an early-season calf complaint, the Moorabbin Rams prodigy finished this year’s Super Rugby Pacific campaign in strong form, starting in four of the Rebels’ final five games, including scoring his maiden Super Rugby try against the Blues at Eden Park.
A member of the Melbourne Rising in 2017, Fa’amausili made his Rebels’ Super Rugby debut in Round 15, 2018 against the Sunwolves at AAMI Park, before a series of eye-catching performances in the 2020 Super Rugby AU competition led to selection in the Wallabies 2020 and 2021 international squad tours.
Fa’amausili has since played 25 matches over five years for his hometown team and remains one of the Rebels’ most important players on and off the field, with his strong connection to the Victorian Rugby community helping grow the game of rugby and inspire the next generation of Melbourne Rebels.
The twenty-five-year-old said there’s no place like home.
“The opportunity to do what I love in my home city, to go to work with my best mates and play in front of my family, made staying at the Rebels an easy decision,” said Fa’amausili.
“The Melbourne Rebels gave me the chance to live out my dream, so I’m determined to give back and repay the coaches and staff who have put so much time and effort into my development as both a player and person.
“I’m excited by the culture we’re growing and really believe we’re building something special here at the Rebels.
“To see more born and bred Victorians come through the ranks has been awesome, and something myself and a few of the other boys are really proud of and passionate about helping with in the future.
“I’m excited to continue being around our community and seeing the next generation grow from strength to strength.”
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said the Club was thrilled to retain one of its most influential leaders in the Victorian rugby community.
“It’s great to have a talent like Pone re-sign with the Rebels,” said Stiles.
“Pone worked really hard to get back on the field this year and when he achieved that, performed really strongly for us with his physicality, his carry and intensity at the set-piece.
“It’s really important to keep our young and hungry talent here at the Rebels, especially when they’re homegrown, so it’s exciting to have someone so engaged with the Victorian grassroots, re-commit and stay on with our Club.”
