2024 Melbourne Rebels Squad Dispersal

[Burgs]

This may end up being a pretty morbid exercise through a Western Australian Rugby lens, but necessary to see the folly of "stronger as four".

Rugby Australia Contract 2025 (To be confirmed, taken from All Rugby Squad listing)
Retained in Australian Super Rugby
Lost to Overseas Rugby Union
Lost to Rugby League
* Announced prior to cessation of Rebels Franchise

Player/Official Destination

Pone FA'AMAUSILI Super Rugby Moana Pasifika
Cabous ELOFF
Isaac AEDO KAILEA Super Rugby Waratahs
Matt GIBBON Super Rugby Queensland Reds
Sam TALAKAI United Rugby Championship Glasgow Warriors
Taniela TUPOU Super Rugby Waratahs
Alex MAFI Japan Rugby League One Tokyo Sungoliath
Ethan DOBBINS Super Rugby Waratahs
Jordan UELESE France Top 14 Montpellier Hérault
Angelo SMITH Super Rugby Waratahs
Josh CANHAM Super Rugby Queensland Reds
Luke CALLAN Yakult Levins Toda Japan
Lukhan SALAKAIA-LOTO Super Rugby Queensland Reds
Tuaina Taii TUALIMA Super Rugby Brumbies
Brad WILKIN
Daniel MAIAVA
Josh KEMENY English Premiership Rugby Northampton Saints*
Maciu NABOLAKASI
Rob LEOTA Super Rugby Waratahs
Vaiolini EKUASI Super Rugby Western Force
Zac HOUGH
Jack MAUNDER France D2 Agen
James TUTTLE
Ryan LOUWRENS Top 14 Montpellier
Carter GORDON NRL Gold Coast Titans
Mason GORDON
David FELIUAI Super Rugby Brumbies
David VAIHU
Divad PALU Super Rugby Western Force
Lebron NAEA
Lukas RIPLEY
Matt PROCTOR Super Rugby Western Force
Nick JOOSTE
Andrew KELLAWAY Super Rugby Waratahs*
Darby LANCASTER Super Rugby Waratahs
Filipo DAUGUNU Super Rugby Queensland Reds
Glen VAIHU Queensland Cup Souths Logan Magpies
Joe PINCUS
Lachie ANDERSON Super Rugby Queensland Reds
Jake STRACHAN

[shasta]

It's probably a rush for next year, but I wonder if it's worth considering shifting the Pasifika franchise to Western Sydney? Given the great support the Pacific Nations Mungo teams have had out there, and the overwhelming number of NRL players who have put their allegiances there, I think it would be a winner. The support Pacifika has (not) had across ditch it probably makes financial sense so World Rugby might be favorable. There is a closure of Panthers Stadium next year for a $300M upgrade and increase to 25000 seats. RL is king out there but I'd put that down to ARU inaction and NRL investment rather than non-interest in Rugby.
Of course the NZRU would likely be a spanner in the works because their teams would have to travel further for one match every second year. Boo Hoo.

Any thoughts? X?

[Tazzmania]

Josh Kemmeny to Northampton Saints
Andrew Kellaway to NSW Waratahs

Both signed and confirmed earlier in the year

[GIGS20]

It's probably a rush for next year, but I wonder if it's worth considering shifting the Pasifika franchise to Western Sydney? Given the great support the Pacific Nations Mungo teams have had out there, and the overwhelming number of NRL players who have put their allegiances there, I think it would be a winner. The support Pacifika has (not) had across ditch it probably makes financial sense so World Rugby might be favorable. There is a closure of Panthers Stadium next year for a $300M upgrade and increase to 25000 seats. RL is king out there but I'd put that down to ARU inaction and NRL investment rather than non-interest in Rugby.
Of course the NZRU would likely be a spanner in the works because their teams would have to travel further for one match every second year. Boo Hoo.

Any thoughts? X?

With respect to the idea and it's motivation Shasta, I really don't think having Moana based in Western Sydney is any better than basing them in Auckland.

Anywhere that isn't a home base on the islands would be second rate, like we've seen for the Drua. I'm happy for it to become a "work on" over several years (first year have a couple of home games on the islands, maybe one each on Tonga and Samoa, then increase each year) but using an existing franchise to cover up the impact of a catastrophically stupid decision such as this is unreasonable.

[shasta]

The point of difference is that Rugby is king in NZ and most have "their" team already. Western Sydney has absolutely no interest invested in the Waratahs. Probably similar disdain to a lot of us actually. But the huge PI population, I'm pretty sure, is still interested in Rugby.

[bootsetal06]

A shrink to greatness …… Gordon NRL …..

[bootsetal06]

In the final words to Baldrick from Captain Blackadder… BUGGER

[oxleymoron]

Wouldn’t surprise me if there are less than 6 green names on that list once it’s fully updated. If you aren’t in the eyes of wallaby selectors - why would you want to sign on with the parent organisation that has just cut you loose?

[Burgs]

Have updated with the 15 that All Rugby had listed as contracted to 2025.
There is allegedly 17 with RA contracts that will be honoured if placements accepted.
Will endeavour to tidy up confirmations as they come to hand.

[Burgs]

I would also think Rebels Academy player and Australian U20's Flyhalf, Joey Fowler, will be hotly pursued.

[Kernow]

I would also think Rebels Academy player and Australian U20's Flyhalf, Joey Fowler, will be hotly pursued.

I would think JT and the team would be in contact with a few of their Academy players; its a key block in the house and it'd help provide some reassurance to the next-gen there is Vic - for those that can / will move.

[Burgs]

I would think JT and the team would be in contact with a few of their Academy players; its a key block in the house and it'd help provide some reassurance to the next-gen there is Vic - for those that can / will move.

Perhaps a proactive step for Force/Twiggy to take.
Build some model that facilitates training for local Academy in Melbourne, then flying them to WA for blocks of time.

[.X.]

It's probably a rush for next year, but I wonder if it's worth considering shifting the Pasifika franchise to Western Sydney? Given the great support the Pacific Nations Mungo teams have had out there, and the overwhelming number of NRL players who have put their allegiances there, I think it would be a winner. The support Pacifika has (not) had across ditch it probably makes financial sense so World Rugby might be favorable. There is a closure of Panthers Stadium next year for a $300M upgrade and increase to 25000 seats. RL is king out there but I'd put that down to ARU inaction and NRL investment rather than non-interest in Rugby.
Of course the NZRU would likely be a spanner in the works because their teams would have to travel further for one match every second year. Boo Hoo.

Any thoughts? X?

I am a little out of the loop when it comes to Sydney Subbies Rugby since the demise of my Club 2 years ago.

However, if you were to do a Circle on a map with Penrith as the centre and go out 50km you would have 1 Shute shield Club. A Division 1 Subbies Club a Division 2 Subbies Club, a couple in Division 3 and a few in Division 5 and 6 with 2 trying to get into Subbies Rugby that have started from scratch in the last 5 years.

The number of South Pacific Islander background players is mind-boggling tho most are playing League because they are paying money to players. Subbies Rugby is strictly amateur. Even tho the high majority would prefer to play Union - money is king.

[Kernow]

Perhaps a proactive step for Force/Twiggy to take.
Build some model that facilitates training for local Academy in Melbourne, then flying them to WA for blocks of time.

I like your thinking - that would be a coup

[Burgs]

Alex MAFI Japan Rugby League One Tokyo Sungoliath