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Today at 10:00 AM Super Rugby
by Beth Newman
The Rebels have confirmed the signing of Isi Naisarani for 2019, and the backrower is firmly in the frame for the Rugby World Cup.
Fiji-born Naisarani becomes eligible to play for the Wallabies in April next year, putting him well on the radar for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, kicking off in September.
Naisarani has been on Michael Cheika's radar since a barnstorming NRC season in 2016 for Brisbane City, that earned him a Super Rugby opportunity with the Force.
The bullocking no. 8 will be reunited with Dave Wessels in Melbourne, who he played under at the Force, before joining the Brumbies this season.
“It’s been a big two years for me. I’m really excited to get down to Melbourne and team up with Dave at the Rebels," he said.
"He’s had a big impact on me, and helping me to improve as a player.
“It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was playing for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship but I know that I have to keep on working hard to improve myself as a player.
“The World Cup in Japan is a big dream of mine and obviously to pull on that gold jersey would be something very special.
Wessels said he was looking forward to having Naisarani back under his charge.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Isi to Melbourne and it’s a testament to the high performance program we’re creating here at the Rebels to attract a player of Isi’s quality," he said.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work with Isi again.
“He made a real impression straight away at the Western Force in his first year of Super Rugby, which is no easy feat to step straight into one of the toughest provincial rugby competitions in the world.
“Isi brings professionalism and work ethic on and off-the-track to everything he does.
“He adds a real touch of X-factor and versatility in the backrow and we think he’ll compliment the strength of our forward pack."
http://www.rugby.com.au/news/2018/07...aisarani-signs