September's celebratation of rugby across our state continues tomorrow, when the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria launch the inaugaral Victorian Club Series at Power House Juniors.
Five teams will be involved in the day, including a Victorian men’s and women’s team, a Pacific Cup men’s and women’s side, and the Melbourne Rebels.
The Victorian men’s and women’s sides boast the state’s premier club rugby talent, with the day serving as valuable preparation ahead of their Australian Rugby Shield campaigns, kicking off in Adelaide on September 29.
Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s Pacific Cup teams will be made up of the best remaining talent, ahead of next month’s Pacific Nations Cup Tournament.
The Rebels will play two thirty-minute halves against the men’s Pacific Cup XV side and the Victorian Axemen, with the state’s best Club players receiving the opportunity to compete for a place on the Rebels touring squad for next month’s trial against the Brumbies in Albury and tour of Japan.
A number of Super Rugby capped stars will be taking part including Jordan Uelese, Richard Hardwick, Lachie Anderson, Lukas Ripley, Carter Gordon and reigning Players’ Player, Brad Wilkin.
New Rebel, Monty Ioane, will also be in attendance on the day, in what shapes as the twenty-seven-year-old’s first community appearance with the Club.
Ioane spoke about his excitement for the day on RSN’s Breakfast Club earlier this week.
“While I don’t think I’ll playing in Friday’s games, I’m really looking forward to getting out there and seeing the community," said Ioane.
“ It’s going to be a huge day for the Melbourne Rebels and Victorian rugby.
"It gives the opportunity for the best talent in Melbourne to showcase their abilities to proffessionals.
“ It gives a good indicaiton on how Melbourne rugby stands and the level between proffessional and club level.
“It’s a public holiday as well, so if you love your rugby come down and enjoy the games.”
The Victorian Club Series caps an exciting month of rugby in Victoria, following successful senior and junior club rugby finals campaigns and the recent Bledisloe Cup sell-out at Marvel Stadium.
Victorian Club Series
When: September 23
Where: Power House Junior Rugby Club, Bayside College, 33-43 Blenheim Rd, Newport
Entry: Free
Men’s Draw (updated):
Game 1: Melbourne Rebels vs Pacific Cup XV (1:00 pm)
Game 1: Melbourne Rebels vs Axemen (1:40 pm)
Game 2: Axemen vs Pacific Cup XV (2:30 pm)
Women’s Draw (updated):
Game 1: Rugby Victoria Women’s XV vs Pacific Cup XV (3:05 pm)
Game 2: Rugby Victoria Women’s XV vs Pacific Cup XV (3:45 pm)
