Sharks lock, Bulls prop included in Rebels squad
SQUAD ANNOUNCEMENT: The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their full playing squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season.
In what marks Melbourne’s tenth season in the competition, the Rebels have added a mix of depth, experience and local talent among the fourteen new faces who join the twenty-six players retained from their 2019 campaign.
Lock Gideon Koegelenberg (Sharks) and prop Cabous Eloff (Blue Bulls) are the two notable inclusions in the squad.
Eloff was given a Rebels Development Squad Contract for 2020.
“At the conclusion of every World Cup cycle it’s common to see mass movement in squad lists as players head overseas or look for fresh opportunities,” said Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby and Pathways Nick Ryan.
“We’re really proud we have been able to buck that trend and retain two-thirds of our squad. It is a direct consequence of our objective to build more cohesion and all our re-signings over the last 12 months is a testament to the belief this group has in our future.”
In the last six months, the Rebels have re-signed seven players, including returning Wallaby debutant Isi Naisarani and John Eales Medal winner, Marika Koroibete.
The team can also confirm the return of outside back Tom English for the 2020 season, who will be in a race with Foundation Rebel Luke Jones to see who can be first to 100 Rebels caps.
“With the team ten years old we are seeing the first strong wave of Victorian players set for regular starting spots and several exciting local prospects in our academy system.
“We acknowledge there were aspects of our program and performance that weren’t up to scratch last season. At the same time, we did a lot well and it’s important for us to build from a stable base and add some quality players in key positions to add depth and belief to the whole squad and really round out our full roster.”
Story continues below…
The 1.2km time trial begins 😰 #WeAreRugby pic.twitter.com/wkDU3cIdAQ
— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) November 22, 2019
With the departure of experiences halves Will Genia and Quade Cooper to Kintetsu in Japan, the Melburnians are set to enter the season with a new-look halves pairing under the guidance of attack coach, Shaun Berne.
“At scrumhalf, we have three new guys who will be scrapping it out in James Tuttle, Frank Lomani and Ryan Louwrens,” said Berne.
“Frank is an international and is really developing as a player, whilst James and Ryan have great qualities and Super Rugby experience. We don’t know yet who the frontrunner is, which is exciting. It all boils down to how hard they want to compete for that spot in pre-season.
“Beyond that, we’re very fortunate to have some sensational backline talent with Matt To’omua looking set to play his first full season with us, joining Marika, Dane and Reece in returning from the World Cup.
“I also know that being a Wallaby doesn’t guarantee a starting spot. We’ve brought in one of the NRC’s best talents in Andrew Deegan, Andrew Kellaway is back in Australia after his time abroad and young Melbourne magician Harry Potter has huge potential. I’m getting pretty pumped just thinking about it.”
In the pack, the fight for a spot in the back and front rows garners the most attention.
Wallabies Naisarani, Hardwick and Jones will compete against the likes of Rob Leota, Brad Wilkin and new recruits Michael Wells, Boyd Killingworth and Josh Kemeny for a place in the matchday twenty-three.
“Competition is the best medicine for improving standards,” identified forwards coach Geoff Parling.
“We made giants strides in our set-piece last year but we realise the bar must be raised again if we are to challenge week in and week out in all aspects of scrum, line-out and open play. The new faces in the group have already brought a new edge and class.”
Up front, experienced campaigners Ruan Smith and Cameron Orr are the Rebels new book-ends, and former Sharks lock Koegelenberg bolsters the retention of Matt Philip, Ross Haylett-Petty and emerging local talent Trevor Hosea.
“We took a really conservative approach with getting Jordan Uelese back on-field in 2019. His time in the Test arena will see him come back a more mature player and the contest he has with Anaru Rangi will take both their game’s to a new level.
“The trends we’re seeing emerge in the game at present are really a nod to the past of disciplined, tight, physical forward play and we’re developing a pack that will do just that.”
The Rebels kick off their 2020 campaign against the Sunwolves in Japan on February 1 with their first home game in Melbourne against the Waratahs on February 14, 2020.
Melbourne Rebels 2020 Super Rugby Squad: Jermaine Ainsley, Angus Cottrell, Andrew Deegan*, Cabous Eloff**, Tom English, Mees Erasmus, Pone Faamausili, Matt Gibbon, Esei Haangana, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Dane Haylett-Petty, Reece Hodge, Trevor Hosea, Luke Jones, Andrew Kellaway, Josh Kemeny*, Boyd Killingworth*, Gideon Koegelenberg*, Marika Koroibete, Rob Leota, Frank Lomani*, Ryan Louwrens*, Jack Maddocks^, Campbell Magnay, Billy Meakes, Declan Moore**, Isi Naisarani, Cameron Orr*, Matt Philip, Harry Potter*, Anaru Rangi, Fereti Sa’aga, Ruan Smith*, Matt Toomua, Semisi Tupou, James Tuttle*, Jordan Uelese, Michael Wells*, Brad Wilkin.
* denotes new recruit to Rebels for 2020
** denotes Rebels Development Squad Contract for 2020
^ Jack Maddocks is currently on secondment with the Australian Men’s Sevens Program
Related articles:
Is Whiteley’s career over
Bok prop’s departure confirmed
Stormers to opt for ‘hybrid’ game
Chiefs boss Gatland inherits growing concussion problem
Pre season is well underway and already feeling it 😢 Awesome to be part of @MelbourneRebels such a awesome culture. Can’t wait for what’s in stall for the upcoming season #Rebels pic.twitter.com/16ciFSjwNU
— Ruan Smith (@Ruan_Twin) November 19, 2019
