England qualified Harry Potter included in Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby squad
The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their full playing squad for the 2020 Super Rugby season – including wing wizard Harry Potter.
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.
Potter signed for Melbourne in August after proving himself during a spellbinding stint in the NRC with Sydney University.
“But it’s nothing I haven’t heard before so it’s easy to laugh it off,” Potter told Fox Sports earlier this year. “I’ve seen all the movies but haven’t read any of the books, which is quite disappointing for a lot of people because they make jokes I don’t understand.”
Potter is one of number of new signing to join the various Wallaby stars already at the club.
“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.”
Australian sport could have a new cult hero on its hands after none other than Harry Potter signed a Super Rugby contract with the Melbourne Rebels.https://t.co/8qxvxn2zo2
— Fox Rugby (@FOXRUGBY) August 28, 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.
'There is a lot of politics in sport and maybe we were a little bit naive'
– @heagneyl runs the rule of whether attitudes in Ireland are mellowing regarding the IRFU vow to never again bid to host a Rugby World Cup
https://t.co/cJoQNTWZjC— RugbyPass (@RugbyPass) November 23, 2019
“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.
The squad also includes two new South African signings: lock Gideon Koegelenberg (Sharks) and prop Cabous Eloff (Blue Bulls). Eloff was given a Rebels Development Squad Contract for 2020.
The 1.2km time trial begins ? #WeAreRugby pic.twitter.com/wkDU3cIdAQ
— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) November 22, 2019
“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
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Comments on RugbyPass
Mark Telea is a lot of things, but a defensive juggernaut has never been one of them. There will be far bigger tests in that regard for the youngster.
9 Go to commentsLove and respect to Fiji but not a chance outside of 7s
3 Go to commentsGood summation Ned. Agree the Canes were out-muscled for once (except at the scrum!) by a focused Brumbies outfit. Tua deserves consideration for higher honors after the way he humbled Jordie and the Canes defense. Thankfully, his lack of eligibility for Oz keeps him from Joe’s plans. While I also agree the injuries affected the Canes performance, some players seemed to lack focus and intensity for this match. Perhaps after the Blues demolished the Brumbies, they thought it was going to be easy? A good reminder that any slip up in preparation can have a big affect on the result. Brumbies deserved that win.
1 Go to commentsKarl Dixon should never have been appointed this fixture, absolute disgrace, He’s not much of a referee anyway, didn't have the balls to send his mate care off
5 Go to commentsBrilliant article! Harry of 8/9
1 Go to comments‘UK athletes' have been in the NFL from the start.
1 Go to commentsIt’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
23 Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
11 Go to commentsThe article alludes to the fact that this isn’t about picking a captain. But picking a great captain. So who would make for a great All Black captain - not just an obvious or safe shoo-in? I’m not sure Ardie’s the guy and Barret doesn’t stand out either.
23 Go to commentsI guess we may all agree on the fact, that the ABs and Boks are the two in contest for No 1 in rugby history (the triple-A sort of) …. the Wallabies, England and France are the next tier, with Ireland being the new kid in town (AA) …. in my view it makes little sense creating imaginary competitions (unless you have too much time to waste)
45 Go to commentsWhat a joke. Total joke and the pundits commentating, all of whom know a bit about the game, could barely disguise their contempt. Reaching for the card then pulling back when he realised a red card would carry further match suspensions is simply not his decision to make. A clear and obvious influence on the outcome of this match and indeed, the championship path.
5 Go to commentsI like the idea, in NZ the Ranfurly Shield and NPC coexist, both having their own bragging rights. The World Cup would be the pinnacle, but the competition and travels of these trophies would be interesting.
45 Go to commentsDon’t worry Sonny bill Williams leave that awkward situation about the curfew in the pass whoever it was it doesn’t matter its no big deal we back our All Blacks through the storm and the thunder until we see the Sun light again.
42 Go to commentsWho listens to this retard? He was a massive liability as a player but obviously a media sensation
42 Go to commentsI’m not surprised by such ‘virtue signalling’ by Sonny Boy. Butter wouldn’t melt in his mouth. He’s such a pious Islamic muppet, imo.
42 Go to commentsI’ve actually never heard of the guy (then I don’t watch League as it is boring). But if he is good enough.. then good luck to him. If not, well, he can always return to league.
2 Go to commentsIt is pretty clear that by almost any measure that NZ are a more successful rugby nation than South Africa. Quite aside from the distasteful events during the last RWC final. NZ lead SA in all significant measurements.
45 Go to commentsDickson went to his pocket for a card, saw who it was, changed his mind and spoke at length to TMO. One angle clearly shows Care diving over a Saints player to kill the ball. 1st yellow, reason given for not Red was player was falling backwards. He was only falling backwards after contact with Lawes. Graham try should have stood. Mitchell did not have both hands on the ball, ball went forward from a Saints boot dragging over it. 2 intentional knock-on's. One of which had an overlap on the outside. If Quins are happy to win by intentional foul play, then it does not say much for them. Would appear to be a bad day for Karl Dickson, also for the RFU in appointing a Ref who spent 8 years as a player at one of the clubs.
5 Go to commentsLet’s not forget about Ardie Savea just yet.
9 Go to commentsThe URC and the Euro Championscup can’t run at the same time, basically dilutes both competitions.
2 Go to comments