The RaboDirect Rebels have signed five players to its Extended Playing Squad (EPS) for the 2012 Super Rugby Season.
The EPS system is being introduced into Super Rugby for the first time in 2012.
Each Super Rugby team is allowed 5 EPS players who will train full time with the team’s 30-man Core Playing Squad (CPS), but the player will only be available for selection in the match-day 22 when the CPS is depleted by injury.
The 25 EPS players around the country are funded by the ARU, the EPS system has been introduced to achieve a greater spread of playing talent across the 5 Super Rugby teams.
Eddie Aholelei-Prop
Eddie’s experience proves that good things come to those who wait.
He is able to play both sides of the scrum, and has an excellent work ethic and attitude.
Eddie offers great coverage to all our CP props as well as being a great role model for young Polynesian players in the local community.
Eddie joins the club after an impressive 2011 season with Manly RFC in the NSWRU Premiership and for the Rebel Rising side.
A physical, hard working prop who always turns in consistent performances, the Rebels see this as a great opportunity for Eddie to permanently cement a spot in the Rebels prop rotation for the 2012 season.
The 29 year old was part of the Rebels recent Development Tour of the UK and Ireland.
Cadeyrn Neville-Lock
Cadeyrn may only be in his second full year of rugby, but his strong set piece skills and outstanding athletic potential are key strengths which the Rebels hope to utilise.
A former representative rower at the Australian Institute of Sport, Cadeyrn continues the Rebels tradition of cross code athletes who have made a successful transition to rugby at an elite level.
Standing 6 foot, 6 inches tall and weighing in at 120kg, Cadeyrn has had a meteoric rise through the ranks at the Manly RFC in Sydney.
Cadeyrn also recently returned from the Rebels Development Tour of the UK and Ireland.
Nick Stirzaker-Scrumhalf
20 year old Stirzaker is a Commerce/Law student who hails from the Sydney University club.
An Australian schoolboy in 2009, the Rebels see Stirzaker developing under Nick Phipps & Richard Kingi.
Blessed with great speed off the mark and an excellent pass, the Rebels are excited to add a player who will provide added depth at scrumhalf.
Isiah Moese-Fullback/wing
Still only 17 years old, Isiah started his rugby in Brisbane at Nudgee College.
A fullback/winger blessed with exceptional speed and footwork, the Rebels are delighted to add a young player who will add depth and athleticism to our outside back contingent.
With development, we are confident that Isiah is a player with a promising future at the Rebels.
Luke Holmes-Hooker
As a junior, Luke captained the Australian under-21s and was also an international schoolboys representative. He went on to win a Sydney club rugby premiership with Warringah and has been in the Super Rugby system since 2006.
The 27 year old was signed by the Rebels on a short term contract in 2011 and captained the Rebel Rising side, Holmes already has 24 Super Rugby caps under his belt.
