The Victorian Rugby Union are pleased to announce the return of the Victorian Axemen.

The Victorian Axemen, formally Melbourne Axemen, were established in the early 2000’s and became Victoria’s State Rugby Union team. The creation of this team was vital in creating a pathway for local Victorian players to play at a higher level and provide an opportunity for these players to play against quality opposition from around Australia and the world.

The Axemen faced off against high-calibre international touring sides and competed in the Australian Rugby Shield, which was launched in the year 2000 to discover untapped Rugby talent outside of the NSW and QLD Rugby heartlands. The Axemen won the competition in 2007. This competition allowed Victorian Rugby to be showcased at a national level and paved the way for professional Rugby here in Victoria.

The team has laid dormant for many years since the Australian Rugby Shield became defunct but the VRU are pleased to announce its return. The Axemen will provide a pathway and help develop local talent that miss out on a place in the Melbourne Rising side and allow these players to gain experience in playing at a higher level.

“This is an excellent initiative that will allow local talent more opportunities in playing representative Rugby”, said Nic Henderson, VRU’s Elite Pathways Manager.

The VRU will be in contact with clubs in regards to selection for the team and the upcoming games shortly.

The team currently has two games scheduled occurring in the coming months:


26th August – Victorian Axemen v Melbourne Rising

16th September – Victorian Axemen v Adelaide Black Falcons

https://melbournerebels.com/victoria...axemen-return/