Melbourne Rebels Alumni

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1 Melbourne Rebels Alumni Adam Byrnes REBEL NO. 1 Lock Adam Byrnes joined the Rebels from the Queensland Reds, where he had made 18 appearances over two seasons. Byrnes played 11 Super Rugby games for the Rebels during two seasons at the Club, including starting in the Rebels' first ever game against the Waratahs. As the first player listed in alphabetical order on the inaugural Rebels team sheet, Adam holds the honour of being remembered with Rebel Playing Number 1. Byrnes' mother is Russian, and he opted to represent Russia at the 2011 World Cup in New Zealand, and as international since leaving the Rebels. Upon his departure from the Rebels, Byrnes moved to Russia to play with RC Kuban Krasnodar. Sam Cordingley 2011 REBEL NO. 2 Former Wallaby scrumhalf Sam Cordingley's one season as a Rebel was unfortunately blighted by injury, restricting him to just one start (in the Club's first ever match) and two substitute appearances before he retired from the game aged 35. Cordingley's long and successful career saw him make seven appearances for the ACT Brumbies, 43 appearances for the Queensland Reds, six appearances for Welsh side Swansea and 38 appearances across the top two divisions of French rugby for Grenoble. Cordingley also played for Australia on fourteen occasions, as well as representing his country at U19, U21 and Australia A level, and would have played for his country a lot more had he not been stuck behind a brilliant scrumhalf named George Gregan. Sam remained involved in the Rebels after his retirement, firstly in his role as Retention and Recruitment Manager and then as the General Manager of Rugby, before moving back to Queensland to work for the Reds. 1

2 Gareth Delve REBEL NO. 3 Welsh International Gareth Delve was a foundation Rebel, joining from English side Gloucester as a foreign import ahead of the club's inaugural 2011 season, and was named Vice-Captain to Stirling Mortlock. Versatile on either side of the backrow, Delve quickly cemented the No.8 position as his own and then became the first overseas player to Captain an Australian Super Rugby franchise when deputising for the injured Mortlock in Round 9, Following Mortlock's retirement, Delve took over the reins as the Rebels' Captain, a role he held until he departed the Club at the conclusion of the 2013 season. Despite feeling at home in Melbourne, import rules stipulated that foreign players could only complete three years' service at one Club. Delve made 44 Super Rugby appearances for the Rebels, scoring four tries, and also skippered the Rebels against the British & Irish Lions at AAMI Park. Delve achieved hero status amongst Rebels fans, and was duly given the send-off he deserved when the Rebels came from behind to defeat the Highlanders in his final game for the club. At a post-match presentation honouring his time for the club, Delve described his three years as a Melbourne Rebel as "the best three years of my life". Nic Henderson REBEL NO. 4 Foundation Melbourne Rebel Nic Henderson starred for the club in the front row for three seasons. Henderson was the eleventh player in the history of Super Rugby to play 100 Super Rugby matches. The loosehead forward played 41 Super Rugby matches for the Rebels, as well as playing against the touring British & Irish Lions in 2013 at AAMI Park. Nic's career began in Melbourne in 1999, where he was part of the Melbourne Storm, before converting to Rugby. Nic played 68 times for the ACT Brumbies between 2004 and 2009, before spending one season with the Western Force. 2

3 Nic played for the Wallabies three times, and was highly regarded for his love of walking around AAMI Park post-match and chatting to the Rebels fans whatever the result. An unselfish team player, Nic retired from professional rugby at the conclusion of the 2013 Super Rugby season with 117 Super Rugby caps, but no tries. Upon retirement, Nic integrated seamlessly into a career within the Rebels community Rugby department. James Hilgendorf REBEL NO. 5 Flyhalf James Hilgendorf was a fully contracted Rebel for the 2011 and 2012 seasons, and returned to play one game as an injury replacement in Sydney-born, Hilgendorf played for the Australian Schoolboys side alongside Mark Gerrard in 2000 and made fifteen appearances for the Western Force before joining the Rebels as a foundation squad member. Hilgendorf scored two tries for the Rebels, against the Reds in 2011 and the Lions in 2012, and also enjoyed stints playing in Italy, Japan and New Zealand's NPC. Julian Huxley REBEL NO. 6 Utility back Julian Huxley spent two seasons as a Melbourne Rebel, making an extraordinary comeback to professional rugby after suffering a benign brain tumour whilst playing for the Brumbies and a member of the Wallaby squad in Huxley, a hugely popular team man, joined forces with former Brumbies teammate Stirling Mortlock when he moved to the Rebels. He scored his only try for the Rebels against the Sharks at AAMI Park in 2011, however scored an additional 62 points for the Club as a goal kicker. Huxley played all positions in the backline for the Rebels bar scrumhalf, leaving at the end of the 2012 season to play for Narbonne in the French Rugby Pro D2. Before playing for the Rebels, Huxley made 28 appearances for the Brumbies across two spells, as well as 31 appearances for the Reds, winning their 2003 Player of the Year award. Huxley played nine test matches for Australia, scoring 22 points. 3

4 Michael Lipman REBEL NO. 7 Flanker Michael Lipman was one of three British international players to join the Club as Foundation Rebels in 2011, alongside Danny Cipriani and Gareth Delve. Though raised in Australia, England-born Lipman pulled on the white kit of England on ten occasions. Lipman played 22 times for the Rebels before repeated concussions forced him to retire after the Club's round thirteen victory against the Western Force in Perth in 'Lipdogg' started his Super Rugby career at the NSW Waratahs in 1999, but moved to England to pursue other opportunities. Whilst in England, Lipman represented Bristol and Bath Rugby Clubs in over 100 appearances and scored four tries in sixteen Heineken Cup appearances for Bath. Lipman won the Bath Community Player of the Year Award in 2006 for his charity work, and it was his leadership and off-field endeavours that helped seal the decision to offer him a contract with the Rebels. Hoani McDonald 2011 REBEL NO. 8 Foundation Rebel Hoani McDonald made four appearances in his single season at the Club. McDonald, a blindside flanker, started the Club's first ever game against the NSW Waratahs. He also started against the Bulls, and was a substitute on two further occasions. New Zealander McDonald, a Junior All Blacks and NZ Maori representative, signed for the Rebels from Welsh side Newport Gwent Dragons. After leaving the club, McDonald had a brief stint playing for his home province of Southland, before embarking on a coaching career. 4

5 Lachlan Mitchell REBEL NO. 9 Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell became the first player in the Club's history to reach 50 Rebels caps, earning the milestone in his home town Sydney against the Waratahs in Lachie started his career in the Waratahs Academy system before heading north to play for the London Wasps for two seasons prior to coming to Melbourne. Lachie scored seven tries during his time in Melbourne, where he played on both the wing and in the centres, and he made himself at home in his adopted city, purchasing a house in Melbourne and making the decision to stay here after finishing up with the Rebels. Mitchell played fifteen times for the Rebels in the 2013 season, scoring three tries in the process. Suspension prevented the popular utility back from featuring in the Club's come-from-behind victory against the Highlanders in the final game of the season. Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell is one of the most capped players in the team, earning his 50 th cap midway through the 2014 season. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury suffered in the same game brought a premature end to Lachie's season, and he retired at the end of the 2014 season to focus on pursuits outside of Rugby. Since retiring Mitchell has remained heavily involved with the Club and Rugby in Victoria, working in the marketing department and coaching the Melbourne Chargers. Stirling Mortlock REBEL NO. 10 Stirling Mortlock joined the Rebels as our Foundation Captain, with 80 Wallaby appearances (including 29 as skipper to his name). One of the outstanding backs in the world during the first decade of the 2000's, Stirling's contribution to the Club has been extraordinary. Stirling scored the first try of the Club's existence, against his old franchise the Brumbies in the Club's first ever victory. Stirling also scored the match-winning try in arguably the Club's most impressive victory during his spell as a player, against the Crusaders at AAMI Park in Stirling retired at the end of the 2012 season, with 23 Rebels appearances to his name and a remarkable 140 Super Rugby career appearances and over 1,000 Super Rugby points. 5

6 Stirling, who was made a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2012 Australia Day Honours List, has remained actively involved in both the game and the Club since his retirement. As a Board Member of the Club, as well as a coaching contributor and a Membership ambassador, Stirling has remained committed to the continued growth of Rugby in Victoria. Stirling also applies his tactical nous to expert sideline commentary in Channel 10's free-to-air coverage of International Rugby. Kevin O'Neill 2011 REBEL NO. 11 Giant lock Kevin O'Neill represented the Rebels in their inaugural season before retiring at season's end. Injuries limited O'Neill to just seven appearances for the Rebels. He started three games, including the Club's first ever game against the NSW Waratahs. Prior to moving to the Rebels, Kevin won the Under 21's World Cup for his native New Zealand before moving to the Crusaders and playing in part in winning two Super Rugby titles. Kevin then moved to the Chiefs, where he was a regular fixture, and made his only appearance for the All Blacks against South Africa in Ged Robinson REBEL NO. 12 New Zealander Ged Robinson played 47 times as a hooker for the Melbourne Rebels, scoring six tries and gaining widespread acclaim for his industry and technique. Signed from the Wellington Lions in the NPC, Ged played every game in the club's debut season and was honoured with the 2011 Spirit of Weary Dunlop Award in recognition of his dedication to the team's cause. Before joining the Rebels, Robinson had made five appearances in Super Rugby with the Hurricanes and received a call up for the Junior All Blacks. Ged's popularity around the club was unrivalled, and upon his return to New Zealand at the end of 2013, Robinson declared himself a "Rebel for life." Ged played a major role in growing the game of rugby in Victoria, playing for Harlequin in Melbourne's Dewar Shield competition. Ged also played a mentoring role with young forwards at the Club during his three-year stay. 6

7 Luke Rooney 2011 REBEL NO. 13 Former Australian Rugby League representative Luke Rooney spent one season with the Rebels, making nine appearances including starting the Club's first ever game against the NSW Waratahs. Rooney played on the wing primarily in Melbourne, but was a utility back also capable of playing at centre or fullback. Prior to joining the Rebels, Rooney played 140 games in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers, representing New South Wales and Australia in Rugby League. He then spent two seasons with Toulon in the French Top 14 before returning to Australia to be part of the original Rebels squad. Greg Somerville 2011 REBEL NO. 14 Greg Somerville was a legendary All Black prop who spent one season with the Rebels as a foundation squad member in Somerville was capped 66 times by New Zealand and also made over 100 appearances for the Crusaders in Super Rugby, winning multiple titles. Somerville's one season at the Rebels saw him make fourteen appearances for the Club, scoring his only try for the Rebels against the Highlanders at AAMI Park. However, 'Yoda' left a strong legacy of leadership and team culture after retiring, and has been credited with playing a key role in the development of fellow front-rowers Laurie Weeks and Ged Robinson. Somerville was capable of playing on either side of the front row, and joined the Rebels directly from English Premiership side Gloucester. Somerville's final All Black test was the first Bledisloe Cup match to be played in Hong Kong in 2008, where he played against future Rebels teammates Stirling Mortlock, Adam Freier and Sam Cordingley. 7

8 Cooper Vuna REBEL NO. 15 Cooper Vuna, born and raised in Auckland, switched to the sport he played as a teenager when he left the Newcastle Knights in the NRL to join the Melbourne Rebels as a starting winger and occasional centre for their inaugural season in In his first season with the Melbourne Rebels, Cooper Vuna exploded onto the Super Rugby scene, proving to be one of the competition's most dynamic ball carriers and the Club's top try scorer. His form continued into early 2012, gaining him his first cap for the Wallabies against Scotland in Newcastle, the second Wallaby debutant through the Rebels system. Injury soured Vuna's final season at the club in 2013 as he made just seven appearances before moving to Japan to continue his career. Vuna scored a double in his final game for the Rebels against the Highlanders at AAMI Park to finish his Rebels career with thirteen tries in his 36 appearances, the most in the Club's history at the time of his departure. Vuna left a legacy as an active participant in the local community, where he was an ambassador for Access Rugby, a Victorian Rugby Union Multicultural Development Program that is designed to engage Indigenous and CALD (Cultural and Linguistically Diverse) Communities through Rugby related activities. Danny Cipriani REBEL NO. 16 English international flyhalf Cipriani was a marquee signing at the Melbourne Rebels for the Club's inaugural season in 2011, staying at the club until midway through the 2012 season and playing a total of nineteen Super Rugby matches before returning to the UK. Cipriani slotted the penalty goal that secured the Rebels' first ever victory, against the Brumbies in 2011, one of six penalties he converted on that evening. Cipriani played for London Wasps prior to moving down under, and upon his return played for the Sale Sharks. A seven-time England international, Cipriani and Rebels teammate Michael Lipman were the first two English internationals to play for an Australian Super Rugby side. 8

9 Heath Tessman REBEL NO. 17 Hooker Heath Tessman made ten appearances during his two seasons at the Club, with all coming off the bench in the club's inaugural season. After leaving the club, Tessman moved to the Western Force as a replacement hooker in January Tessman was born in Ayr, Queensland. Jarrod Saffy REBEL NO. 18 South African born backrower Jarrod Saffy made 35 appearances for the Melbourne Rebels during his three years at the Club after switching over from the St George Illawarra Dragons in the NRL, where he exited with the 2010 NRL Premiership. A formidable ball carrier and pilferer, Saffy landed the most tackles of any Super 15 player in 2011 as he enjoyed a breakout debut season. Listed on the interchange bench for his debut, Jarrod quickly forced his way into the starting side, starting thirteen of the remaining games, completing the full 80 minutes in nine of them. A serious neck injury threatened Saffy's career in 2012, however he returned to star in his third and final season at the club playing at blindside flanker and played a key role for an inexperienced Rebels lineup against the touring British & Irish Lions. Despite enjoying a Rugby League career prior to joining the Rebels, Jarrod's grounding was in Rugby. As an emerging talent he represented the Australian Schoolboys, under 21s and Sevens sides, developing his skills as part of the Sydney University and Waratahs Academy systems. Jarrod's performance against the Stormers in 2013 was immense as he led the charge for the Rebels to record their first ever victory over South African opposition. Jarrod departed for France at the end of the 2013 season. 9

10 Alister Campbell REBEL NO. 20 Former Wallaby lock Al Campbell spent two years at the Melbourne Rebels, making thirty appearances and scoring his only two tries for the Club in their first ever victory over a New Zealand opponent when they defeated the Hurricanes in Campbell joined the Club as a Foundation Rebel from French Top 14 side Montpellier, where he spent three seasons and played alongside All Black scrumhalf Justin Marshall. Prior to his stint in France, Al represented the Waratahs for one season (three caps) and Brumbies for four years (36 caps). Campbell played for the Wallabies on four occasions, debuting against France in 2005 and also captained Australia A in He represents another link in the Sydney University connection at the Rebels, playing in six Shute Shield winning sides whilst at the Students. Former Rebels teammate Adam Freier described the affect his departure would have when he retired at the end of the 2012 season. "Al Campbell has left his mark on our Club and its culture... a legacy that will stand the test of time with all the teams he has represented." Nick Phipps REBEL NO. 21 Foundation Rebel Nick Phipps provided outstanding service to the Club during three seasons in Melbourne, before returning to his native Sydney when he signed for the Waratahs ahead of the 2014 season. Phipps' signing at the Rebels was announced on the same day as fellow youngsters Hugh Pyle and JP du Plessis in July Phipps, a product of Sydney University, played Rugby Sevens for his country before embarking on his professional career and won a Silver Medal at the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Phipps was initially expected to compete with Richard Kingi for the role of Sam Cordingley's understudy in his first season, however injury to Cordingley saw 'Fanga' cement his place as the starting scrumhalf in round two of the 2011 season. Outstanding Super Rugby form saw Phipps retain his starting spot for all bar one further game in his three year Rebels career. Phipps debuted for Australia whilst a Melbourne Rebel, making fourteen appearances for his country during his tenure in Melbourne and playing at the 2011 Rugby World Cup. Phipps also 10

11 achieved personal success during his time at the Rebels, winning the Rebels Players' Award and Australian Super Rugby Rookie of the Year in 2011 and the Rod Macqueen Pursuit of Excellence Award in Phipps departed the club as the equal most capped Rebel, along with Ged Robinson, on 47 caps. Former Head Coach Damien Hill summed up Phipps' impact upon the club when he stated that "Nick has played a major part in laying the foundations of this Club and... he replicates our team ethos in everything he does, both on and off the rugby field." A. Taumoepeau 2011 REBEL NO. 22 Explosive winger Afusipa Taumoepeau established himself as a fan favourite during his one season at the Rebels in Taumoepeau scored the Club's first ever try in a pre-season match ahead of their inaugural season, and then went on to score a further two Super Rugby tries in eleven appearances. Taumoepeau joined the Rebels from the ACT Brumbies, having made nine Super Rugby appearances, and also represented Australia U20 and the Australian Sevens side before moving to Melbourne. Taumoepeau left at the end of the 2011 season to pursue a career in France with Rugby Pro D2 side Pau. Mark Gerrard REBEL NO. 23 Foundation Rebel Mark Gerrard played over 100 games of Super Rugby across three franchises during a highly successful career in Australia, with two stints abroad in Japan as well. Gerrard began his career with the NSW Waratahs, making two appearances, before making 77 appearances over seven seasons with the ACT Brumbies. Gerrard scored a hat trick of tries as the Brumbies defeated the Crusaders in the 2004 Super 12 Grand Final, and a total of 21 tries during his time in Canberra. Mark played his first game for the Rebels as they defeated the ACT Brumbies for the Club's first ever win, then scored his first try for the Club in their first away win over the Western Force in Perth. Mark represented the Wallabies 23 times during his career, including as a Rebel in

12 Gerrard's long range penalty goal, the only goal he ever kicked for the Rebels, won the game against the Western Force in Round , and he also brilliantly set up a Danny Cipriani try earlier in that game as he earned the man of the match award. Gerrard, who returned to Japan at the end of the 2012 season, developed a tight relationship with the Rebels' fans by ensuring he always walked over to greet them after every Super Rugby game he played, regardless of the result. Mark's sister, Mo'onia, is an Australian netball representative who holds ambitions of playing Rugby sevens at the 2016 Olympics in Rio. Tom Chamberlain REBEL NO. 24 New Zealander Tom Chamberlain was a foundation Rebel, spending the 2011 and 2012 seasons in Melbourne. The flanker made eleven appearances for the Rebels, including seven starts, having joined from the Blues in Auckland where he played seven times. Chamberlain moved NPC franchises to play alongside ex-rebel teammate Hoani McDonald at Southland in the 2012 NPC. Hugh Pyle REBEL NO. 25 Foundation Rebel Hugh Pyle left the Club at the end of the 2014 season, and upon his departure was the Rebels' games record holder with 58 appearances for the Club to his name. He was the second player to reach 50 Rebels caps, after good mate Lachlan Mitchell, and the first player to reach 50 Super Rugby caps for the Club. The powerful second rower scored eight tries for the Club, including five in the 2013 season; he seemed to have a love of scoring against the Western Force, in particular. Pyle was a member of the Club's leadership group from , and was also involved in Wallaby training camps during that time; injury appeared to rob him of the opportunity to represent his country for the first time in He leaves the Rebels to play in Europe for Stade Francais, however this talented lock is unlikely to be lost to Australia for ever; he appears destined to come back home in a few years and chase that maiden Wallaby cap. 12

13 Richard Kingi REBEL NO. 26 Foundation Rebel Richard Kingi made 30 appearances over three injury-affected seasons at the Club which saw him play in almost every backline position. Born in New Zealand, Richard moved to Queensland when he was 15 and quickly became an integral part of his state and Australian representative sides. His performance for Australia at the IRB Junior World Championship in 2009 earned him a place on the shortlist for that year's World Junior Player of the Year. Richard's brilliance in the Australian Sevens program earned him a place on the Wallabies spring tour of 2009, which included a midweek match against the Cardiff Blues. Known for his prolific feet and strength for his size, Richard had the uncanny knack to turn a game at the drop of a hat. Kingi, who played five games for the Queensland Reds in the two years prior to his move to Melbourne, scored three tries for the Rebels and his wonder pass to Hugh Pyle to set up the lock for a try against the Western Force in round one, 2013, will long be remembered by Rebels fans. Tim Davidson REBEL NO. 27 As the inaugural Club Captain, versatile backrower Tim Davidson goes down in the history of the Melbourne Rebels as a crucial influence during his three fantastic seasons in Melbourne. Hugely popular with fans, 'Davo' played 27 times for the Rebels and scored one try for the club after signing from Sydney University. Tim also had a season each at the Western Force (2006) and the NSW Waratahs (2007), and spent time in England playing for Leeds Carnegie before coming to the Club, and also played for the Australian Sevens. In his final season at the club, Tim captained the combined NSW/QLD Country side against the touring British & Irish Lions, before retiring from professional rugby at the end of the 2013 season aged

14 Peter Betham 2011 REBEL NO. 28 Peter Betham spent one season at the Rebels in 2011, scoring one try in eight appearances. Betham's one start for the Rebels was against the NSW Waratahs in Sydney, whilst his try was scored at AAMI Park against the eventual competition winners, Queensland Reds. Betham, who was born in Wellington (NZ), joined the Rebels after impressing Damien Hill whilst playing on the wing for Sydney University. Betham signed for the NSW Waratahs after leaving the Club following an impressive NPC campaign for the Tasman Makos in New Zealand, and made his Wallaby debut in October Rodney Blake REBEL NO. 29 Rodney Blake, or 'Rodzilla' as he was commonly known, played twenty times for the Melbourne Rebels across the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The seven-time capped Wallaby, who was actually born in Tonga, joined the Rebels from French Top 14 side Bayonne, where he made over 50 appearances in two seasons. Prior to playing for Bayonne, Blake made 37 appearances for the Queensland Reds where he won their Player of the Season award in Blake's scored three tries for the Rebels, including one in his final appearance for the Club against the Stormers in Cape Town (2012). 14

15 Luke Holmes REBEL NO. 30 Luke Holmes, a hooker from Northern Sydney, made five substitute appearances for the Melbourne Rebels during his two seasons at the Club. Holmes was very strong in the set-piece, having joined the Rebels from the Western Force where he made 22 appearances over three seasons. Holmes' path to the Rebels squad was blocked by the outstanding form of New Zealander Ged Robinson, and with Heath Tessman and Adam Freier also competing for the hooking spot his opportunities were limited. Holmes character was evident as he helped build the team cultures as a foundation player for both the Rebels and the Western Force. Luke signed for the NSW Waratahs after leaving the Rebels at the end of the 2012 season. JP du Plessis 2011 REBEL NO. 31 JP du Plessis (full name Phillipus Jacobus Synman du Plessis) was the first South African player to represent the Rebels, making one appearance against the Hurricanes in the Club's inaugural season. du Plessis joined the club from NRL side Sydney Roosters, where he had been a member of their youth side. After the 2011 season, du Plessis returned to South Africa to play for the Stormers, before then moving to the French Top 14 with Montpellier. Adam Freier REBEL NO. 33 Adam Freier was a Foundation Rebel, and although injury blighted his two seasons at the Club, an integral part of the development of the Rebels outstanding team culture. A 25-test Wallaby, Freier moved to the Rebels following 80 games over eight seasons with his home-town Club the Waratahs. He had begun his career with six games for the ACT Brumbies, during which time he captained the Australian U21 side at the 2001 IRB U21 World Championships. 15

16 Injury restricted Freier to just three appearances in his first season with the Rebels, in the final three matches of the season, however he recovered well to feature thirteen times in 2012, scoring three tries for the Rebels in the process. A horrific run of spinal and bicep injuries appeared to spell the end of Freier's professional career, however he bravely toiled on before a somewhat ironic calf injury in Johannesburg in the penultimate round of 2012 brought the curtains down without any fanfare or fuss; it's how Freier would have wanted it. A former President of RUPA (Rugby Union Players Association) and a regular media pundit with Fairfax Media and ABC television, Freier was employed as the General Manager: Communications at the Melbourne Rebels after his retirement at the end of the 2012 season, before returning to Sydney to continue his media and communications career at the ARU. Freier's father Laurie is a former professional Rugby League footballer and coach. He played in Sydney's NSWRFL Premiership for Eastern Suburbs and Manly-Warringah, later coaching Easts and Western Suburbs. James O'Connor REBEL NO. 34 James O'Connor's blistering pace and backline versatility saw him play a number of key roles during his two years with the Melbourne Rebels. O'Connor signed from the Western Force for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, and starred at flyhalf, wing and fullback during 21 appearances for the club. Scoring nearly 200 points as the Rebels' first-choice goal kicker, O'Connor suffered a number of injuries including a lacerated spleen during his time in Melbourne. In James' debut season with the Force in 2008, he became Super Rugby's youngest player at just 17 years of age. He debuted for the Wallabies later that year, becoming the second youngest Australian to pull on the famous gold jersey. In 2009, he became the first Wallaby to bag a hat trick of tries on his full run on debut. He capped off that stellar season being named the Australian Rookie of the Year. James represented the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions whilst playing for the Rebels in James will be remembered fondly by Rebels fans after he came off the bench to set up three tries in a come-from-behind victory against the Highlanders in his final appearance for the Club. 16

17 Lloyd Johansson 2012 REBEL NO. 36 Former Wallaby centre Lloyd Johansson spent one season with the Melbourne Rebels in 2012, making seven appearances and scoring one try in the Club's victory over the Western Force at AAMI Park. Johansson was the first Victorian player to join the Rebels, having played for the Queensland Reds ( ), Italian Cup Viadana ( ) and the Honda Heat in Japan. Johansson played for Viadana in the Heineken Cup, Europe's premier club rugby competition. Johansson made three appearances for the Wallabies, scoring his only try for Australia after being on the field just two minutes in his debut during the 2005 Bledisloe Cup. Lloyd continued to play for Harlequin in Victoria's Dewar Shield after leaving the Rebels, leading them to the championship in Kurtley Beale REBEL NO. 37 Kurtley made fourteen appearances for the Melbourne Rebels over two seasons with the club, scoring four tries and performing kicking duties with aplomb as he switched between fullback and flyhalf. Moving south to the Rebels from the NSW Waratahs for the 2012 season, Beale played for the Wallabies during his injury-interrupted time at the club. In 2012, Kurtley won the Players' Player of the Year Award despite playing just ten games. Kurtley's brilliance in breaking the line or putting a teammate through a defensive hole was extraordinary, and the 2011 John Eales Medal winner was instrumental in big victories over the Crusaders and Western Force in 2012 and the Force again in Hailing from Mt Druitt in Western Sydney, Kurtley graduated from the renowned Rugby Union nursery of St Joseph's College and played 68 times for the NSW Waratahs before heading to Melbourne. Beale featured for the Wallabies against the British & Irish Lions whilst a Rebel in

18 Eddie Aholelei REBEL NO. 39 Tongan International Eddie Aholelei spent three seasons at the Rebels, and while he only made it onto the field once he left a huge mark on the playing group in Melbourne. Considered a leader among the Club's Pasifika players, Eddie earned a Super Rugby contract at the age of 30 after more than 200 appearances for the Manly Marlins in Sydney's Shute Shield. A powerful scrummager, capable of playing on either side of the front row, Eddie made many appearances for Endeavour Hills in the Dewar Shield and left Melbourne to take up a two-year deal with English Premier Division side London Welsh. Jono Owen 2012 REBEL NO. 40 Prop Jono Owen signed for the Rebels from the ACT Brumbies as an injury replacement midway through the 2012 season, and made nine appearances as a Rebel (including five starts). Owen, who had made eight appearances for the Brumbies prior to joining the Rebels, also played a season in New Zealand's NPC with Counties Manakau in Owen, born in Hong Kong, signed for the Queensland Reds after leaving the Rebels. Ryan Hodson 2012 REBEL NO. 41 West Australian Hodson made two appearances for the Melbourne Rebels in the 2012 season as an injury replacement. Versatile flanker Hodson was selected following strong form for Cottesloe (WA), Manly (NSW) and the Australian U20's. Hodson toured South Africa with the Rebels, making an appearance off the bench against the Lions in Johannesburg, after earlier debuting against the Bulls at AAMI Park. 18

19 Hodson spent a year on exchange at the University of California in 2011, achieving all-collegiate rugby honours, and became the first 'Golden Bear' to play Super Rugby whilst playing for the Rebels. Cadeyrn Neville REBEL NO. 42 Lock Cadeyrn Neville spent four years with the Rebels, amassing 49 caps and scoring three tries, after being recruited from the Manly Marlins in Sydney's Shute Shield. Cadeyrn made his Super Rugby debut in Round Eight 2012, and won both the Rookie of the Year and Rebel Rising Medal that year; Neville's two-try master class against the Western Force in 2012 will go down as one of his best performances for the Rebels. He was involved in numerous Wallaby training camps while at the Rebels, and he represented Footscray in the Dewar Shield whenever possible while in Melbourne. He was a senior figure for the Melbourne Rising during their inaugural Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) campaign, and left Melbourne after signing for the Queensland Reds. Hugh Perrett 2012 REBEL NO. 43 Flanker Hugh Perrett joined the Rebels midway through the 2012 as an injury replacement. Perrett made five appearances for the Rebels, including featuring in both games on the Club's tour of South Africa. Former Waratah squad member Perrett also captained Eastwoods Rugby Club in Sydney's Shute Shield competition. 19

20 Paul Alo-Emile REBEL NO. 44 Paul Alo-Emile joined the Rebels in 2012, making two appearances in his debut season, before playing in every game for the next three years and reaching a half century of Rebels Caps. The tighthead prop scored his only try for the Club against the Brumbies, as well as featuring against the British & Irish Lions at AAMI Park in 2013, while he was involved in the Wallabies training squad in Paul was a key member of the Australian U20 squad in 2010, and played alongside Luke Jones in the 2011 side that finished third in the IRB Junior World Championships. He spent 2011 with the Western Force, but didn't manage to break into the match day squad. Prior to joining the Force, Paul played for Sunnybank in the Brisbane Premier Competition, during which he spent time with the Queensland Reds academy, and in Melbourne he represented Power House in the Dewar Shield competition. One of seven children, Paul departed for Stade Francais at the conclusion of the 2015 Super Rugby season. Scott Higginbotham REBEL NO. 46 Scott Higginbotham left a proud legacy in Melbourne, after the Wallaby backrower Captained the Club for most of his three years at the Rebels. He first took over the role when regular skipper Gareth Delve was injured in 2013, before taking it on a permanent basis for the 2014 season, and sharing it with fellow loose forward Scott Fuglistaller in Higginbotham scored fourteen tries for the Rebels, a record at the time of his departure, while when he left for Japan following the 2015 Super Rugby season he was also the highest-scoring Super Rugby forward of all time with 32 tries. Higginbotham made 45 appearances for the Rebels, with injury preventing him from representing the Club against the British & Irish Lions in 2013, and he won the 2013 Melbourne Rebels Players' Player Award, the most prestigious individual award at the Club. 20

21 After winning 65 Super Rugby caps and a title for the Queensland Reds prior to moving to Melbourne, Higginbotham made his 100th Super Rugby appearance against the Hurricanes in Wellington in Round Seven of Although born in Perth, Scott's mother was born in Fiji. This made him eligible to play for Fiji, before he made his debut for the Wallabies in their win over France in 2010 at Stade de France in Paris and played regularly for his country over the following five seasons. Rory Sidey 2013 REBEL NO. 47 Rory Sidey joined the Rebels from the Western Force in 2013 and made sixteen appearances during his one season at the Club. Sidey scored his only try for the Rebels against the Queensland Reds, and also played against the touring British & Irish Lions. Sidey missed just the one match through injury in 2013, playing out the full 80 minutes on eleven occasions and proving just how willing he was to put his body on the line for the Club. Having played thirty Super Rugby matches for the Waratahs and Force prior to his move to Melbourne, Rory also spent two years playing European rugby with Newport-Gwent Dragons before making his Super Rugby debut. A robust and agile centre, Sidey's move to Melbourne rekindled his centre partnership with Mitch Inman, a former teammate from the Western Force. Sidey launched RJ Street Wear, a street fashion label that enables fans to wear their Club colours in a stylish fashion, during his time in Perth. RJ Streetwear's Melbourne Rebels flat-brimmed hats were big sellers in 2013, with plenty on display at AAMI Park on game day. Rory is fondly remembered by all those who played with him as a staunch Club man and outstanding person. Alex Rokobaro REBEL NO. 48 Alex Rokobaro returned to Australia and the Super Rugby system after a successful stint in French rugby in In his first season as a full-time Rebel, Rokobaro featured twice for the Rebels at AAMI Park in spirited losses to the Brumbies and Reds, and he also played in 2014 against the Highlanders and Bulls. Born in Adelaide, Alex is the first South Australian to play Super Rugby. Alex is of Fijian heritage, his family hailing from the serene island village of Yasawa, and he made his debut for the Fijian national team against Portugal in

22 Alex departed for Italy at the end of the 2014 season, and will always be fondly remembered for his big grin and positive attitude, as well as his stellar contribution to Victorian Rugby through his appearances for Harlequin in the Dewar Shield. Shota Horie REBEL NO. 49 Shota Horie made history when he became the first ever Japanese player to represent an Australian Super Rugby franchise in Making his debut against the Brumbies at AAMI Park, Shota quickly became a fan favourite in Melbourne, possessing footwork more akin to that of a centre than a hooker and a beaming smile that endeared him to all that met him. Making nineteen appearances in Melbourne and scoring one try, a neck injury sustained during his Japanese Club Panasonic Wild Knight's Top League defence in 2015 prevented Horie from returning for a third season, with the hooker focusing upon rehabilitating from surgery before playing a key role at the 2015 Rugby World Cup for the Brave Blossoms. Angus Roberts REBEL NO. 52 Angus Roberts joined the Rebels from Sydney University and spent two seasons at the Club, playing at flyhalf and fullback. 'Gus', who lived with fellow Rebels Tom English, Nic Stirzaker and Jack Debreczeni during his time in Melbourne, made 14 appearances for the Rebels in his two seasons, scoring two tries in the process and the Club's first ever drop goal. Roberts featured alongside 2013 teammates Tim Davidson and Trent Dyer for the Combined NSW & QLD Country side against the British & Irish Lions in Newcastle, a tremendous honour for the young gun, also representing the Rebels against the Lions at AAMI Park. 22

23 Jason Woodward REBEL NO. 53 Kiwi Jason Woodward enjoyed two highly successful seasons in Melbourne, departing back to the Hurricanes in his homeland as the Club's leading point scorer as he chased his dreaming of representing the All Blacks. Woodward moved to Melbourne following a breakthrough 2012 NPC campaign for the Wellington Lions, with no Super Rugby contract on offer in his homeland, and played predominantly at fullback. He took over the kicking duties on a full-time basis in 2014, and scored over 200 points for the Rebels including six tries. A hugely popular teammate, a minor back injury prevented 'Woody' from making one final appearance for the Club in the last game of the 2014 Super Rugby season. Bryce Hegarty REBEL NO. 54 Bryce Hegarty joined the Rebels in 2013, and made 33 appearances in his three years in Melbourne, scoring 49 points. In a memorable first season the former Brisbane Broncos U20 player was crowned Rebel Rising Player of the Year and scored two tries in the come-from-behind victory against the Highlanders in the final round of Throughout his three years in Melbourne, 'Crumb' played flyhalf, fullback and also on the wing, and lived with teammates such as Sam Jeffries, Alex Rokobaro and Tom Sexton before moving to Japan at the end of the 2015 season. Kimami Sitauti 2013 REBEL NO. 55 Winger Kimami Sitauti made four appearances in his single season with the Melbourne Rebels. A broken leg suffered in December 2012 after signing for the Rebels from the ACT Brumbies was reflective of a turbulent beginning to Kimami's professional rugby career. Injuries had soured his lone season in Canberra, and he also spent the 2011 season at the Queensland Reds unable to break into the starting lineup. 23

24 Kimami made a big impact off the bench in victories against the Waratahs and Stormers at AAMI Park, and his evasive running will remain his Rebels legacy. Having grown up in Auckland, Kimami moved to Brisbane to attend famed rugby academy Nudgee College. Here, he represented Souths in the Premier Rugby competition whilst still in Year 12. Upon leaving school, Kimami played for the Australian Rugby Sevens side, winning a silver medal at the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games. Kimami also played for the Australian U20s at the 2011 IRB Junior World Championships, scoring tries against France and Tonga. Luke Burgess REBEL NO. 56 Wallaby scrumhalf Luke Burgess returned to Australia to play for the Rebels in June 2013, after after he joined the Club from Toulouse following more than 50 appearances for the four-time Heineken Cup champions. 'Burgo' made 27 appearances for the Rebels, including playing against the British & Irish Lions at AAMI Park, scoring five tries for the Club including a double in the Rebels first ever victory against the Reds, in Brisbane in Luke also played for the original Melbourne Rebels in the Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) in Luke began his Super Rugby career in Canberra with the ACT Brumbies, alongside Foundation Rebel Captain Stirling Mortlock, playing twice before moving to the Waratahs where he played 56 games and represented the Wallabies on 37 occasions. Luke departed the Rebels at the end of 2015 to take up a contract with Zebre in Italy. James King REBEL NO. 58 James King joined the Rebels from the Auckland Blues and spent two seasons at the Club, making one appearance. The 200cm New Zealand born lock made four Super Rugby appearances for the Blues before an injury-affected spell in Melbourne. James represented the Rebel Rising and was an outstanding ambassador for the Rebels with regular visits to charities, schools and Clubs. His passion for growing the game in Victoria was infectious. 24

25 Tom Kingston REBEL NO. 63 Former Waratah Tom Kingston spent two years in Melbourne at the Rebels, making twelve appearances in his maiden campaign before a knee injury prevented him from adding to his tally in TK scored his only Rebels try against the Reds in Brisbane in 2014, both his and the Club's first win at Suncorp Stadium, while he also represented Power House in the Dewar Shield while in Melbourne. A former Australian U20s representative, Kingston played 29 times for the Waratahs prior to moving to the Rebels. Max Lahiff 2014 REBEL NO. 64 English prop Max Lahiff spent one season in Australia with the Rebels, making two starts among his eight appearances. He moved to Melbourne following over 60 appearances with London Irish in the English Premiership and Heineken Cup, qualifying as a local player due to an Australian passport (his father was born here). Capable of playing on either side of the scrum, Max also had a stint with the Hawkes Bay Magpies in the ITM Cup before becoming a Rebel, and made numerous appearances for Moorabbin in the Dewar Shield. Max returned to the UK in 2015 after signing with Bath. 25

26 Steve Fualau 2014 REBEL NO. 66 Manu Samoa international Steve Fualau joined the Rebels during the 2014 Super Rugby pre-season. The hooker was signed as an injury replacement for fellow rake Tom Sexton, who suffered a serious knee injury during his first pre-season with the Club. Steve joined the Club following an outstanding 2013 season in Sydney's Shute Shield competition with Southern Districts. The former Anglican Church Grammar School (Brisbane) student boasted a wealth of experience with both Auckland and Canterbury in New Zealand's ITM Cup, as well as Super Rugby experience with the Crusaders. Steve played in all three of the Club's pre-season victories, and also featured twice as a replacement for Pat Leafa at Super Rugby level, against the Cheetahs and Waratahs respectively at AAMI Park. The popular hooker was popular with the Rebels playing group, and was a star in the Dewar Shield for Melbourne Uni during his time at the Club. Telusa Veainu REBEL NO. 68 Winger Telusa Veainu made 8 appearances for the Rebels after moving from New Zealand in 2014, where he represented the Crusaders and Highlanders. He scored three tries for the Rebels, including one against the Western Force in his final appearance for the Club in Round 18, Possessing a deadly side step, lightning speed and the ability to play at either wing or fullback, Telusa also impressed for the Melbourne Rising in the 2014 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) and for Melbourne Unicorns in the Dewar Shield. 26

27 Male Sau 2014 REBEL NO. 70 Japanese international Male Sau joined the Rebels for the 2014 season, as part of an arrangement which entitles Australian Super Rugby Clubs to sign an additional squad member if from Japan. Male arrived in Melbourne as a centre but quickly developed a reputation as a fleet of foot winger, with one of the best steps at the Club. Male made six starts among eight appearances for the Club, before returning to Japan to prepare for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Lalakai Foketi 2014 REBEL NO. 72 Lalakai Foketi spent one season at the Rebels, making two substitute appearances against the Waratahs at AAMI Park and the Bulls in Pretoria. The young centre moved to Melbourne as a Supplementary Squad member from Manly Marlins in Sydney's Shute Shield. During his time in Melbourne, 'La' represented Australia U20s for the second consecutive season. Josh Holmes 2014 REBEL NO. 73 Experienced scrumhalf Josh Holmes joined the Melbourne Rebels on a short-term injury replacement contract midway through the 2014 Super Rugby season. Injuries to Nic Stirzaker and Luke Burgess created an opportunity for Holmes, who had been in exceptional form in the Shute Shield competition with Warringah. Josh made one appearance for the Rebels, coming off the bench to replace Ben Meehan in the Club's Round Sixteen match against the Brumbies in Canberra. Josh came close to scoring a try in an energetic outing. In appearing for the Rebels, Josh followed in the footsteps of brother and foundation player Luke Holmes, thus becoming the first siblings to ever represent the Club. Josh also became just the third person to represent four Australian Super Rugby franchises, after previously representing 27

28 the Waratahs, Brumbies and Western Force in over 50 Super Rugby appearances. Josh also played a season for Bourgoin in the French second division. Ben Whittaker 2015 REBEL NO. 78 Hooker Ben Whittaker made one appearance for the Club, against the Brumbies at AAMI Park, after he joined the Rebels in January 2015 when Japanese international Shota Horie sustained an injury playing in the Top League, and was unable to return to Melbourne. An abrasive proposition in the tackle and a standout at scrum time, Whittaker represented Southern Districts in the Dewar Shield, after previously playing for Biarritz in France and making 32 appearances for the Western Force. Tom Sexton REBEL NO. 81 Melbourne born hooker Tom Sexton brought his Irish brogue down under in 2014 following five years with Leinster in Ireland's RaboDirect Pro 12, however an untimely serious knee injury suffered during pre-season robbed Tom of the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut for the Club until He made five appearances in his second season in Melbourne, all of them as a substitute, while Tom also won the Rebels' Five Star Engagement Award in 2014 after he contributed over 80 hours community engagement work. Tom played every game for the Melbourne Rising in the 2014 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC), while he also Captained both Ireland Schoolboys and Ireland U20s prior to moving to Melbourne. 28

29 Radike Samo 2015 REBEL NO. 82 Radike Samo spent the 2015 season on a supplementary contract with the Melbourne Rebels, making one appearance as a substitute against the Hurricanes in Wellington in Round Seven. Radike's influence on the Rebels' young playing group was outstanding, while he was also standout performer for Box Hill in the Direct Connect Dewar Shield. Predominantly utilised in the back row, but also capable of playing as a lock, Samo made 64 Super Rugby appearances prior to joining the Rebels, winning two titles with the Brumbies and one with the Reds. Samo also hoisted the Top 14 title during two years in France with Stade Francais and played for former Japanese Top League side Yokogawa Musashino Atlastars. Radike madehas made 23 appearances for Australia, and played at the 2011 Rugby World Cup in New Zealand including a famous outing on the wing against the United States. Keita Inagaki 2015 REBEL NO. 85 Japanese international prop Keita Inagaki became the third Japanese international, after Shota Horie and Male Sau, to represent the Rebels when he made his Super Rugby debut against the Stormers in Round Fifteen of the 2015 season, his only appearance for the Club. 'Gaki', who was the final signing made by the Rebels prior to the commencement of the 2015 Super Rugby season, was a popular addition to the squad. He immersed himself within his new country and culture, with plenty of assistance from his teammates along the way, and impressed all with his technical ability, both in the set piece and around the field. He made a number of appearances for Southern Districts in the Direct Connect Dewar Shield, and worked closely with Rebels' Assistant Coach Zane Hilton on progressing his game; it helps that 'Choc' speaks Japanese well! 29