the joint VRU/Rebels and VIc Govt Press release, the "Vicotorian/Melbourne Road Safety Rebels" ?????
Below is a joint statement from the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU) and Melbourne Rebels following the Victorian Government’s commitment to rugby in Victoria.
The Grassroots to Glory investment secures the future of rugby in Victoria and reinforces Melbourne as the sporting capital of Australia with the commitment to Super Rugby and six Wallabies Test matches over the next eight years, including a coveted British & Irish Lions Test and Bledisloe Cup Test.
Statement from Tim North QC (Quade Cooper), Victorian Rugby Union President and Melbourne Rebels Chairman:
The boards of the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU) and Melbourne Rebels, respectively, are thrilled with the Victorian Government’s commitment to the future of rugby in Victoria.
Grassroots to Glory ensures that rugby has a successful future on and off the field for all Victorians through investment in rugby facilities, rugby programs and a world-class events package to inspire the next generation of stars.
As an inclusive sport reflecting the diverse communities we live in, the VRU and Rebels are committed to nurturing the game of rugby in Victoria and fostering social cohesion.
Victorian rugby is one of the fastest growing participation regions in Australia, highlighted by a 97% increase in junior participation since the inception of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011, along with significant growth in our women’s and girl’s competitions, Masters rugby, Wheelchair Rugby and Melbourne Chargers. Total female participation in Victoria increased by 78% in 2016 and now represents 24% of total participation in the state, led by the VRU’s 7s program.
With the future secured, a united Victorian rugby can build on its impressive participation growth and assures a high performance pathway for home grown players from junior rugby to Super Rugby and Wallabies.
Currently seven local Victorians have progressed through the Victorian Elite Pathway and have a contract with the Melbourne Rebels, including Jordan Uelese, Rob Leota, Sione Tuipulotu, Trevor Hosea, Ah-Mu Tuimalealiifano, Ikapote Tupai & Fereti Sa’aga. There are a further two players, Wallaby Sefa Naivalu and Murray Douglas, who have progressed through the local Dewar Shield competition to play for the Melbourne Rebels.
We hope to inspire the next generation of players to follow in the footsteps of Jordan Uelese, who became the first Victorian to play for Australia after progressing through all of the VRU state teams to represent the Australian U20, Melbourne Rising, Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies in 2017.
With the support of the Victorian Government, we look forward to building on a rich Victorian rugby history spanning over 100 years with a new chapter for the sport.
On behalf of the VRU and the Melbourne Rebels, we thank Premier of Victoria, the Hon. Daniel Andrews; Treasure of Victoria, Tim Pallas MP (Moana Pasifika); Victorian Minister for Sport, Mr. John Eren MP (Moana Pasifika); Victorian Minster for Roads and Road Safety and State Member for Narre Warren North, Luke Donellan MP (Moana Pasifika); and the Victorian Government for their continued support of rugby in Victoria.
Statement from David Wessels, Head Coach Melbourne Rebels:
The strength and power of the Victorian Government announcement is a significant boost to our Melbourne Rebels as we embark on a new and exciting era for the club.
The swell of government and community support for the Melbourne Rebels and Victorian rugby since the club’s future was secured has provided us with the foundation to deliver successful outcomes on and off the field.
A fresh start and renewed community focus will underpin a new look Melbourne Rebels in 2018.
The Melbourne Rebels will only be as strong as the community behind it so we are commited to fulfilling our responsibility to help grow the game as a vehicle for participation and education programs.
The Rebels will work in tandem with the VRU to empower and educate Victoria’s diverse and inclusive communities through schools, community groups and diversity programs through rugby.
On the field, work is already underway to establish a world-class rugby program with the country’s top players and coaches to bring overdue success to the state.
We hope to inspire the next generations of home-grown players to follow in the footsteps of those local players who have recently paved the way for the stars of tomorrow.
As custodians of the Melbourne Rebels, we have the responsibility of delivering an exciting and successful brand of rugby that all Victorians can be proud of on the international stage through Super Rugby.
On behalf of the Melbourne Rebels players, staff and administrations, we thank the Victorian Government for their support and look forward to kicking off a new era in February 2018.
