elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Some of the coaching appointments have been named for some of the teams.
Melbourne
Moorabbin:
Melbourne
Moorabbin:
VRU Dewar Shield 2015
- Thread starter elementfreak
- Start date
- Status
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
I think pre-season games are happening around 28th Feb and the season starts 2 weeks after that. I have the "calendar" on my home computer so I will confirm those later. However it's only a proposed run down of the dates for next year at the moment.
Yeah I saw J Carroll being appointed there. Will be interesting to see how he goes stepping up from Schools to 1st Grade in terms of coaching, however he has coached senior footy up in Qld right?
Bava from Box Hill has moved to France to play rugby over there for 6-8 months I think, might be a big loss for Box Hill, however it will be interesting to see what Island Breeze are able to bring over there now.
Saw this on Facebook the other day:
Wasn't Moli a Melbourne Uni player last year?
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Ah right, thanks for the info.
The club is very happy to announce the Senior Coaching Team for 2015.
Clifton Viliamu will be the 1st Grade Head Coach for 2015 after being the 1st Grade Forwards coach in 2014 and 2013 Club Scrum Coach. Cliff will be joined in 1st Grade by Assistant Coaches Pom Simona and Lloyd Johansson who will be playing/assistant coaches. In 2nd Grade the club welcomes back 2013 Premiership coach Aaron 'Frog' Hammond who will be assisted by new member Matt Moore who has recently arrived from QLD. 3rd Grade sees some new additions mixed with old, Chris "Womzi" Allen will be the Head Coach with Dave Feenan set piece coach and Chris King to run the backs and in 4th Grade Siof and Aaron return for another season. More info is below on Cliff's, Pom's and Lloyd's rugby history.
In Colts the same team returns with Greg Fergus the Head Coach being joined by Jay Langsford and Sam Lindsay.
The club is still on the search for coaches for our women's team - numbers are looking strong but the girls need a strong and capable coach to guide them. Please contact Brock Parker on 0417 014 971 if you or know someone that may be interested.
Ruhan van Zyl returns to the club to act as a Coaching Director & Mentor to assist coaches across all the grades to improve their coaching and team performance with Brock Parker continuing as Chair of Rugby.
1st Grade Cliff Viliamu Pom Simona & Lloyd Johansson
Colts Greg Fergus Jay Langsford & Sam Lindsay
2nd Grade Aaron "Frog" Hammond & Matt Moore
3rd Grade Chris Allen Dave Feenan & Chris King
4th Grade Siof Tulanga & Aaron Porima
Cliff is a vastly experienced and successful coach and player within the Victorian rugby community. As a player he won 3 premierships with Box Hill playing 100+ 1st Grade games. Whilst playing he also coached junior Box Hill teams, bringing through the Box Hill junior programs future Wallabies Lloyd Johansson and Ben Tapuai and current Reds squad member Rex Tapuai. Cliff coached the Box Hill 1st Grade team for 2 years including the Grand Final in 2009 and then coached Boorandara 1st Grade for 2 years. During this time Cliff also coached the Vic Schoolboys/U18 team for 3 years including their highest ever finish at Nationals, a 3rd place in 2011. He has also been an Assistant coach of the Victorian Senior team. In 2013 Cliff joined QUINS as the club scrum coach and in 2014 served as the 1st Grade Forwards premiership coach.
Pom Simona joined QUINS in 2014 where he was the 1st Grade Vice Captain and member of the Melbourne Rising squad. Pom has extensive rugby experience including playing for Auckland 'B', has Captained the famous Auckland Ponsonby club and played professionally in Ireland. Pom's main focus for the team will be as the defensive coach and assisting Cliff with the forwards.
Lloyd Johansson has played for QUINS for the last 2 years winning 1st Grade premierships in each year. Lloyd has played 3 Tests for the Wallabies, Super Rugby for both the Qld Reds and Rebels and played in Italy for Viadana and for Honda Heat in Japan. Lloyd will take responsibility for the backs and work with Cliff on the team’s attack where he will look to put into play much he has learned from some of Australia's greatest coaches such as Alec Evans and Eddie Jones.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
The 2015 Dewar Shield fixture has been released, and with it an exciting array of clashes that are highlighted by a full fixture of clashes on a Friday night.
The 2015 Dewar Shield fixture has been released, and with it an exciting array of clashes that are highlighted by a full fixture of clashes on a Friday night.
Round One of the Dewar Shield kicks off on Saturday March 21st, with the highlight looking to be a clash between 2014 finalists Box Hill and Moorabbin. Defending champions Harlequin host Melbourne Uni, Footscray host the Melbourne Unicorns and Power House travel to Endeavour Hills, while Southern Districts have the bye.
The Pirates travel to Endeavour Hills to begin their season in Round Two, while Box Hill’s first home game in the same round is a Grand Final replay against two-time defending champions Harlequin.
Queen’s Birthday weekend sees three matches played under lights on Friday June 5th, with the second Grand Final replay of the season between Box Hill and Harlequin to be played at AAMI Park on Saturday June 6th, before the RaboDirectRebels host the Bulls at 3:30pm on the same afternoon.
Melbourne Uni will host Power House on University Oval, the first time in the Club’s history that they have played on the main oval on campus, while Moorabbin host Footscray under lights and Southern Districts will play under their new match quality lights for the first time as they host Endeavour Hills. There will be no other competitions scheduled on Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Other highlights of the fixture include matches between Moorabbin and Foostcray in Rounds Two and Eleven, after each Club won one narrow encounter apiece in 2014, and Power House and Harlequin clashing in Rounds Four and Thirteen after they shared the spoils last season with each claiming a two-point victory.
Melbourne will be hoping their good form continues against Southern Districts from 2014, where they won both clashes, continues as they will face off against the Pirates in Rounds Nine and Eighteen, the final round before finals. Endeavour Hills lost a number of nail biters in 2014, but they did manage a draw against Melbourne Uni and will be hoping to go one better when those sides clash in Rounds Eight and Sixteen, while the Box Hill Broncos conclude the regular season with a trip to Melbourne Uni.
A three week finals series, the same in format as in 2014 and featuring the top four sides, will take place between August 1st and August 15th.
Click here to download the 2015 Dewar Shield fixture as a PDF.
It is an expectation that all Dewar Shield Clubs enter a Premier 2 and Premier 3 side; their competitions will follow the same fixture and format as that of the Dewar Shield.
Stay tuned after Christmas for the release of all other senior and junior Rugby draws, with team entries still being sought for Second Division, Third Division, Colts and Women’s teams.
It should be noted that access to grounds in March has affected the capabilities for some Clubs to host home fixtures over the first two rounds.
The 2015 Dewar Shield fixture has been released, and with it an exciting array of clashes that are highlighted by a full fixture of clashes on a Friday night.
Round One of the Dewar Shield kicks off on Saturday March 21st, with the highlight looking to be a clash between 2014 finalists Box Hill and Moorabbin. Defending champions Harlequin host Melbourne Uni, Footscray host the Melbourne Unicorns and Power House travel to Endeavour Hills, while Southern Districts have the bye.
The Pirates travel to Endeavour Hills to begin their season in Round Two, while Box Hill’s first home game in the same round is a Grand Final replay against two-time defending champions Harlequin.
Queen’s Birthday weekend sees three matches played under lights on Friday June 5th, with the second Grand Final replay of the season between Box Hill and Harlequin to be played at AAMI Park on Saturday June 6th, before the RaboDirectRebels host the Bulls at 3:30pm on the same afternoon.
Melbourne Uni will host Power House on University Oval, the first time in the Club’s history that they have played on the main oval on campus, while Moorabbin host Footscray under lights and Southern Districts will play under their new match quality lights for the first time as they host Endeavour Hills. There will be no other competitions scheduled on Queen’s Birthday weekend.
Other highlights of the fixture include matches between Moorabbin and Foostcray in Rounds Two and Eleven, after each Club won one narrow encounter apiece in 2014, and Power House and Harlequin clashing in Rounds Four and Thirteen after they shared the spoils last season with each claiming a two-point victory.
Melbourne will be hoping their good form continues against Southern Districts from 2014, where they won both clashes, continues as they will face off against the Pirates in Rounds Nine and Eighteen, the final round before finals. Endeavour Hills lost a number of nail biters in 2014, but they did manage a draw against Melbourne Uni and will be hoping to go one better when those sides clash in Rounds Eight and Sixteen, while the Box Hill Broncos conclude the regular season with a trip to Melbourne Uni.
A three week finals series, the same in format as in 2014 and featuring the top four sides, will take place between August 1st and August 15th.
Click here to download the 2015 Dewar Shield fixture as a PDF.
It is an expectation that all Dewar Shield Clubs enter a Premier 2 and Premier 3 side; their competitions will follow the same fixture and format as that of the Dewar Shield.
Stay tuned after Christmas for the release of all other senior and junior Rugby draws, with team entries still being sought for Second Division, Third Division, Colts and Women’s teams.
It should be noted that access to grounds in March has affected the capabilities for some Clubs to host home fixtures over the first two rounds.
Axemen
Allen Oxlade (6)
What fi
what field would 4ths play on? At 1.30 most clubs have Colts and 2nd Grade playing at the same time and nobody has 3 fields.
KevinO
Geoff Shaw (53)
Not all clubs have Colts, and between 4ths and Colts the VRU should be able to manage the schedule.
Melbourne, Box Hill (No 4ths) and Powerhouse all have three grounds they can use as well.
Axemen
Allen Oxlade (6)
None of those clubs have 3 fields at the one venue? Box Hill only have 3 fields on GF day because they turn the archery field into a rugby field for that weekend only, PH only have 2 fields plus no fields until May due to the Grand Prix and Unicorns barely have 2 fields unless your talking about Fawkner or the other field their B Grade uses which is closer to QUINS than Toorak. You also haven't factored in clubs with women teams re scheduling plus many of the guys that play 4ths do so because the 3pm time suits them due to Saturday work commitments. Yes we want 1sts to be the focus, but I don't. Think it is that big of a deal.
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
Have to agree there, 1sts is the showcase of the Community Rugby arm in Victoria, but the main focus should be participation and trying to get as many players playing the game.
Any news from around the clubs?? How's training going, any big moves across town to rival clubs?
Any news from around the clubs?? How's training going, any big moves across town to rival clubs?
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
Haven't heard anything about players moving teams however chatting to Brock last week it seems Quins have been getting over 100 to training at the moment. Will be interesting to see what sort of turnover they have from last year.
ILIE TABUA JOINS BOX HILL RUGBY
Box Hill Broncos have continued their rebuilding program with the appointment of former Wallaby and Fiji Test player IlieTabua. Tabua has also coached the Fiji Test team and is sure to make a big impact at Sparks Reserve.
Tabua played 10 tests for the Wallabies from 1993-95 plus 16 Tests for Fiji in 1998-99. Known as the “Human Skewer” for his devastating tackling Tabua played over 30 games for Queensland.
A big influence on his countrymen, Tabua has played a big part in the Island Breeze Rugby program, actively recruiting and recommending players. He sees the program as a huge benefit as young Fijians are brought to Australia to experience a vastly different culture to their own.
Drew Collins, a member of the Broncos leadership group, says the benefits are not all one way, “It’s been wonderful to get to know the Island Breeze boys. The on-field side of things has obviously helped us enormously but off the field is also great. The guys are very involved in the club. It’s a huge bonus to have them around. SefaNaivaluis an example of what these boys can achieve and now with Ilie at the club in a permanent role there is no doubt the sky is the limit for the Broncos”.
2014 saw the Broncos reach their first Grand Final since 2009, ultimately falling short against a strong Quins team. However the trophy cabinet did receive a boost with victory in the Albury Rapid Fire Tens plus the return of the Bruce Bailey Blazer following a big win over Quins at Ashwood.
The club is determined to go all the way in 2015 and with people of the calibre of IlieTabua to lead the Broncos anything is possible.
Former Rebels Assistant Coach and World Cup winning Wallaby Matt Cockbain will also be assisting the Broncos coaching team when time permits. Cockbain has put many hours into Victorian rugby in recent years. He was recently appointed to the Fiji coaching team.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
The Victorian Rugby Union (VRU) is pleased to announce the signing of Direct Connect (www.directconnect.com.au) as the Official Naming Rights Partner of the 2015 Dewar Shield competition and a supporter of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union (VSRU).
Direct Connect is Australia’s leading utilities/service re-connection provider for people moving homes.
Direct Connect has been the primary supporter of the Melbourne University Rugby Football Club over the past five years and the company sees this as a great opportunity to step-up and support the broader rugby community in Victoria.
Rebels’ General Manager of Community Rugby Simon Davis believes that the partnership with Direct Connect is a wonderful boost for Victorian Rugby.
“We are delighted to welcome the Direct Connect team to support grassroots rugby in this great state and we look forward to working together to develop local talent in to future RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels,” he said.
Direct Connect CEO Paul Docherty said “Direct Connect has a strong history of community based partnerships; fundamental to those partnerships is an alignment of values.” “We can see through careful assessment of both the VRU and the RaboDirect Rebels that there’s a very strong focus on values both on and off the field and across all ages”.
“It’s incumbent on businesses such as Direct Connect to develop and strengthen these community based partnerships for the good of the community and rugby in general”. “There’s no better vehicle to do that than through a strengthening VRU and the Melbourne Rebels rugby community.” “We are proud to be a partner” said Paul.
Direct Connect works closely with a range of leading industry groups and suppliers of electricity, gas phone & internet, pay TV, insurance, removalists, truck hire and cleaning services to make moving easy. The company is headquartered in Melbourne with over 150 staff Australia-wide.
The Victorian Rugby Union was founded in 1909 with five clubs: Melbourne; East Melbourne; South Melbourne; St Kilda and the University of Melbourne competing for the inaugural trophy which was a shield donated by the Scotch Whisky Distillery John Dewar and Sons of Perth, named the Dewar Shield.
The 2014 Dewar Shield was a defining year, with all contracted Rebels players allocated to a Premier Rugby club to represent if not selected in the match-day 23 players for that weekend of Super Rugby.
The 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield promises to be one of high playing standards and tough competition with nine clubs competing for this prestigious award.
The season will commence on Saturday 21 March and will be held over 18 rounds of competition followed by 3 rounds of finals with the Grand Final to be held on Saturday 15 August 2015. For more information please visit here.
In addition to supporting the club competition, Direct Connect will be a strong supporter of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union (VSRU) in 2015 through:
Direct Connect is Australia’s leading utilities/service re-connection provider for people moving homes.
Direct Connect has been the primary supporter of the Melbourne University Rugby Football Club over the past five years and the company sees this as a great opportunity to step-up and support the broader rugby community in Victoria.
Rebels’ General Manager of Community Rugby Simon Davis believes that the partnership with Direct Connect is a wonderful boost for Victorian Rugby.
“We are delighted to welcome the Direct Connect team to support grassroots rugby in this great state and we look forward to working together to develop local talent in to future RaboDirect Melbourne Rebels,” he said.
Direct Connect CEO Paul Docherty said “Direct Connect has a strong history of community based partnerships; fundamental to those partnerships is an alignment of values.” “We can see through careful assessment of both the VRU and the RaboDirect Rebels that there’s a very strong focus on values both on and off the field and across all ages”.
“It’s incumbent on businesses such as Direct Connect to develop and strengthen these community based partnerships for the good of the community and rugby in general”. “There’s no better vehicle to do that than through a strengthening VRU and the Melbourne Rebels rugby community.” “We are proud to be a partner” said Paul.
Direct Connect works closely with a range of leading industry groups and suppliers of electricity, gas phone & internet, pay TV, insurance, removalists, truck hire and cleaning services to make moving easy. The company is headquartered in Melbourne with over 150 staff Australia-wide.
The Victorian Rugby Union was founded in 1909 with five clubs: Melbourne; East Melbourne; South Melbourne; St Kilda and the University of Melbourne competing for the inaugural trophy which was a shield donated by the Scotch Whisky Distillery John Dewar and Sons of Perth, named the Dewar Shield.
The 2014 Dewar Shield was a defining year, with all contracted Rebels players allocated to a Premier Rugby club to represent if not selected in the match-day 23 players for that weekend of Super Rugby.
The 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield promises to be one of high playing standards and tough competition with nine clubs competing for this prestigious award.
The season will commence on Saturday 21 March and will be held over 18 rounds of competition followed by 3 rounds of finals with the Grand Final to be held on Saturday 15 August 2015. For more information please visit here.
In addition to supporting the club competition, Direct Connect will be a strong supporter of the Victorian Schools Rugby Union (VSRU) in 2015 through:
- support of the VSRU/Xavier 7s that will be held at Xavier College on Saturday 18 April 2015;
- support of the VSRU tours to the United Kingdom (U18) and Tasmanian (U16) in 2015; and
- support of the VSRU Grand Finals day to be held at Marcellin College on Saturday 8 August 2015.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at the Melbourne Unicorns.
Year Formed: 1909
Club Nickname(s): Unicorns
Dewar Shield Titles: 1909, 1912, 1913, 1930, 1935, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011
Head Coach: Anare Koliavu (Rayza)
2014 Finish: 3rd
2015 Allocated Rebels: Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Jordy Reid (capped by Unicorns), Telusa Veainu (capped by Unicorns)
‘Rayza’ says: “We are looking for consistent improvements every week for our developing team. Last year was a fairly unfamiliar squad, with a lot of new guys, so this year we will be looking to build on those existing combinations and the sky is the limit.”
Unicorn to watch: “Lucky Mulipola is an ex-Highlanders and Tasman (NPC) player, and ex-Samoan international, and he plays in the centres or on the wing. It will be his first season in Melbourne, and he brings great experience and he isn’t shy going into the contest.”
President: Tyrone Landsman
Secretary: Peter McBride
Contact: secretary@melbourneruby.com.au
Partners: FTI Consulting, Gilbert, OHM
Club Address: Romanis Reserve, Orrong Park, Orrong Rd, Prahran
Club Website: http://melbournerugby.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MRUFCUnicorns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melunicorns
Instagram:Not active
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In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Endeavour Hills.
Year Formed: 1980
Club Nickname(s): ‘Hills
Dewar Shield Titles: 0
Director of Rugby: Archie Kennedy
Head Coach: John Eden (Patches)
2014 Finish: 9th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Jack Debreczeni (capped by Endeavour Hills), Sean McMahon, Toby Smith, Nic Stirzaker (capped by Endeavour Hills)
Players Out:Junior Paila (Italy)
‘Patches’ says: “Our goal this year is to build on last year and win the close games, especially the games where the opposition came over the top of us. We lost three games in the last ten minutes and three other games by seven points or less.
Melbourne Rising winger Rennie Lautolo-Molimau is coaching the backs and also playing, so I think he will bring a lot of enthusiasm to our attack especially through the backs. This year, we are looking for to take small steps for big results.”
Players to watch:Andy Brown-Molimau is looking to have a big impact this year at scrumhalf. He has great experience, and when he is fit he is quite capable of being one of the better halves in the competition. Brandon Tauu had his first year out of Rugby League in 2014, and is now fitter and looking to make an impact at 6 or 8 this year. He’s a big boy, and should combine nicely with Reuben Rolleston who played some games at openside for the Melbourne Rising.
President: Anthony Nelson
Secretary: David Hawkins
Contact: endeavour.hills.rufc@bigpond.com
Former Capped Rebels: Eddie Aholelei
Major Partner: Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe
Club Address:Frog Hollow Reserve, David Collins Drive, Endeavour Hills 3802
Club Website: http://www.endeavourhills.rugbynet.com.au/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ehrufc
Twitter: Not active
Instagram: Not active
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In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Footscray.
Year Formed:1928
Club Nickname(s): Bulldogs
Dewar Shield Titles: 1932, 1936, 1937
Director of Rugby: Leki Sisifa
Head Coach: Justin Carroll (JC)
2014 Finish: 6th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Cadeyrn Neville (capped by Foostrcay), Lopeti Timani (capped by Footscray), Cruze Ah-Nau (capped by Footsrcay), Colby Fainga’a
Players In: Josh Vakona (Gold Coast Breakers), Ollie Walker (Rebels U20s)
Players Out: Taumafai Komiti (Hong Kong), Michael Toetu (France) Tonu Filipo (Inj), Leon Tufuga (Melbourne Uni)
Coach says: “With the majority of the 2014 squad returning and a few new faces the team is determined to push into the semi-finals this year. With a solid pre-season behind us and some key players returning from injury we hope to start the season well and build momentum throughout the season. Having made some changes with the new coaching staff the players are embracing what we are trying to achieve.”
Player to watch: “I don’t like to single out any one player (s) but we have some promising additions to the club from England in Danny Hartwell, Ollie Walker and Harry Key and also a couple of younger players who will really make an impact in Isaiah Leota and Siosua Havea. I am looking forward to seeing Frank Amituanai and Shane Imo reach their full potential this year.”
Partners: Station Hotel Footscay, Ultratune West Footscray
President:Gary Treherne
Secretary:Andre van der Schee
Contact: drevanders@gmail.com
Club Address:Henry Turner Reserve, Cnr. of Farnsworth Ave & Myers Rd, Footscray 3011, Victoria
Club Website: http://footscrayrugby.org/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Footscray-Rugby-Union-Club/127333150777109
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootscrayRUFC
Instagram: @FootsrcayRUFC
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In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Melbourne Uni.
Year Formed: 1909
Club Nickname(s): Uni Bears, Students
Dewar Shield Titles: 1910, 1934, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967
Head Coach: Jason Jones
Assistant Coaches: Tia Suemai & Brad Mika
2014 Finish: 7th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Tom English, Sam Jeffries, Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley
Jason Jones says: “We can absolutely finish higher up the table this year. We started well in 2014, but our pre-season wasn’t as crisp as it should have been and that showed in the later stages of the year. We were also a very young side last year, but this year we have a lot more size and depth in key positions and an extra year of senior footy in those players, and without making bold predictions I’m confident we will make the top four.”
Player to watch: “The player to watch would be Taiso Silafai-Leaana, a powerful centre with fast feet; I think he will be one of the players of the Dewar Shield this year. Mathew Onesemo is a prop who just gets better each season; it has taken a while for him to grow into that big body, but he just looks at home now and in a good place with his Rugby. He made the Melbourne Rising Extended Training Squad last year, and I think he is ready to make the step up to NRC this season.”
President:William Gallagher
Secretary: David Loads
Contact: david.loads@melbourneunirugby.com
Former Capped Rebels: Steve Fualau
Major Partners: Amart All Sports, Direct Connect
Club Address:HG Smith Oval, Macarthur Avenue, Royal Park
Club Website: http://www.melbourneunirugby.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/melbourneunirugby1909
Twitter: https://twitter.com/murfc
Instagram: @Murugby
Year Formed: 1909
Club Nickname(s): Unicorns
Dewar Shield Titles: 1909, 1912, 1913, 1930, 1935, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1954, 1965, 1966, 1969, 1998, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011
Head Coach: Anare Koliavu (Rayza)
2014 Finish: 3rd
2015 Allocated Rebels: Luke Burgess, Cam Crawford, Jordy Reid (capped by Unicorns), Telusa Veainu (capped by Unicorns)
‘Rayza’ says: “We are looking for consistent improvements every week for our developing team. Last year was a fairly unfamiliar squad, with a lot of new guys, so this year we will be looking to build on those existing combinations and the sky is the limit.”
Unicorn to watch: “Lucky Mulipola is an ex-Highlanders and Tasman (NPC) player, and ex-Samoan international, and he plays in the centres or on the wing. It will be his first season in Melbourne, and he brings great experience and he isn’t shy going into the contest.”
President: Tyrone Landsman
Secretary: Peter McBride
Contact: secretary@melbourneruby.com.au
Partners: FTI Consulting, Gilbert, OHM
Club Address: Romanis Reserve, Orrong Park, Orrong Rd, Prahran
Club Website: http://melbournerugby.com.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MRUFCUnicorns
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melunicorns
Instagram:Not active
----------------------------------------------------------
In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Endeavour Hills.
Year Formed: 1980
Club Nickname(s): ‘Hills
Dewar Shield Titles: 0
Director of Rugby: Archie Kennedy
Head Coach: John Eden (Patches)
2014 Finish: 9th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Jack Debreczeni (capped by Endeavour Hills), Sean McMahon, Toby Smith, Nic Stirzaker (capped by Endeavour Hills)
Players Out:Junior Paila (Italy)
‘Patches’ says: “Our goal this year is to build on last year and win the close games, especially the games where the opposition came over the top of us. We lost three games in the last ten minutes and three other games by seven points or less.
Melbourne Rising winger Rennie Lautolo-Molimau is coaching the backs and also playing, so I think he will bring a lot of enthusiasm to our attack especially through the backs. This year, we are looking for to take small steps for big results.”
Players to watch:Andy Brown-Molimau is looking to have a big impact this year at scrumhalf. He has great experience, and when he is fit he is quite capable of being one of the better halves in the competition. Brandon Tauu had his first year out of Rugby League in 2014, and is now fitter and looking to make an impact at 6 or 8 this year. He’s a big boy, and should combine nicely with Reuben Rolleston who played some games at openside for the Melbourne Rising.
President: Anthony Nelson
Secretary: David Hawkins
Contact: endeavour.hills.rufc@bigpond.com
Former Capped Rebels: Eddie Aholelei
Major Partner: Sugar Buns Bakery Cafe
Club Address:Frog Hollow Reserve, David Collins Drive, Endeavour Hills 3802
Club Website: http://www.endeavourhills.rugbynet.com.au/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/groups/ehrufc
Twitter: Not active
Instagram: Not active
----------------------------------------------------------
In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Footscray.
Year Formed:1928
Club Nickname(s): Bulldogs
Dewar Shield Titles: 1932, 1936, 1937
Director of Rugby: Leki Sisifa
Head Coach: Justin Carroll (JC)
2014 Finish: 6th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Cadeyrn Neville (capped by Foostrcay), Lopeti Timani (capped by Footscray), Cruze Ah-Nau (capped by Footsrcay), Colby Fainga’a
Players In: Josh Vakona (Gold Coast Breakers), Ollie Walker (Rebels U20s)
Players Out: Taumafai Komiti (Hong Kong), Michael Toetu (France) Tonu Filipo (Inj), Leon Tufuga (Melbourne Uni)
Coach says: “With the majority of the 2014 squad returning and a few new faces the team is determined to push into the semi-finals this year. With a solid pre-season behind us and some key players returning from injury we hope to start the season well and build momentum throughout the season. Having made some changes with the new coaching staff the players are embracing what we are trying to achieve.”
Player to watch: “I don’t like to single out any one player (s) but we have some promising additions to the club from England in Danny Hartwell, Ollie Walker and Harry Key and also a couple of younger players who will really make an impact in Isaiah Leota and Siosua Havea. I am looking forward to seeing Frank Amituanai and Shane Imo reach their full potential this year.”
Partners: Station Hotel Footscay, Ultratune West Footscray
President:Gary Treherne
Secretary:Andre van der Schee
Contact: drevanders@gmail.com
Club Address:Henry Turner Reserve, Cnr. of Farnsworth Ave & Myers Rd, Footscray 3011, Victoria
Club Website: http://footscrayrugby.org/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Footscray-Rugby-Union-Club/127333150777109
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FootscrayRUFC
Instagram: @FootsrcayRUFC
----------------------------------------------------------
In our next of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield team previews, we look at Melbourne Uni.
Year Formed: 1909
Club Nickname(s): Uni Bears, Students
Dewar Shield Titles: 1910, 1934, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1963, 1964, 1967
Head Coach: Jason Jones
Assistant Coaches: Tia Suemai & Brad Mika
2014 Finish: 7th
2015 Allocated Rebels: Tom English, Sam Jeffries, Jonah Placid, Dom Shipperley
Jason Jones says: “We can absolutely finish higher up the table this year. We started well in 2014, but our pre-season wasn’t as crisp as it should have been and that showed in the later stages of the year. We were also a very young side last year, but this year we have a lot more size and depth in key positions and an extra year of senior footy in those players, and without making bold predictions I’m confident we will make the top four.”
Player to watch: “The player to watch would be Taiso Silafai-Leaana, a powerful centre with fast feet; I think he will be one of the players of the Dewar Shield this year. Mathew Onesemo is a prop who just gets better each season; it has taken a while for him to grow into that big body, but he just looks at home now and in a good place with his Rugby. He made the Melbourne Rising Extended Training Squad last year, and I think he is ready to make the step up to NRC this season.”
President:William Gallagher
Secretary: David Loads
Contact: david.loads@melbourneunirugby.com
Former Capped Rebels: Steve Fualau
Major Partners: Amart All Sports, Direct Connect
Club Address:HG Smith Oval, Macarthur Avenue, Royal Park
Club Website: http://www.melbourneunirugby.com
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/melbourneunirugby1909
Twitter: https://twitter.com/murfc
Instagram: @Murugby
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
This Saturday sees the kick off of the 2015 Direct Connect Dewar Shield, with Round One matches all starting at 3:00pm.
With Harlequin setting the benchmark through their Grand Final triumph over the Box Hill Broncos last year, winning the Premiership two years in a row, there will be no shortage of teams determined to improve and prevent ‘Quins from winning it again.
This year, the Dewar Shield welcomes Direct Connect as the official naming rights partner of the competition. The leading Australian utilities service re-connection provider has been a primary long-term supporter of Melbourne University, and have now stepped up to the to support the broader Rugby community of Victoria.
And in exciting news, each week a game will be selected as the Direct Connect Dewar Shield Match of the Round, with a full match report to follow on Monday for that game as well as a live Twitter feed from @melbournerebels during the match.
Stay tuned to melbournerebels.com.au for all of your Direct Connect Dewar Shield news throughout the year, including team lists every Saturday, match reviews, match previews, feature articles and more.
Moorabbin vs. Box Hill
After finishing runners up last year, new Broncos’ Director of Rugby Ilie Tabua has been helping Head Coach Andrew Slyfield in implementing an even clearer game plan and mentality in 2015. With Rebels Ben Meehan and Radike Samo named to play, Wallaby forward Samo’s first ever appearance in the competition, Box Hill look a force to be reckoned with again this year.
Moorabbin finished fourth and held strong against the Broncos last year, tying in Round Five and going down narrowly in Round Fifteen. The Rams will be aiming for a strong start this time around; they will get some good help from Rebels prop Tim Metcher, making his Dewar Shield debut.
Box Hill – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We are looking to integrate new players into the team this weekend,” says Box Hill Head Coach Andrew Slyfield. “As we try and maintain our structures and system, we want to be really positive and play with the same Box Hill style and flair as last season. We know we need to play for the full 80 minutes if we are going to have any chance of winning.
“We expect to see Moorabbin really take it to us; they are a strong mobile team and really set the standard at the start of last season. They play a similar style to us, so we expect the two teams to go ‘toe to toe’ and battle it out in a close one.”
Moorabbin – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
Not provided
Endeavour Hills vs Power House
After a tough 2014 season, Endeavour Hills’ Head Coach John Eden has prepared his side for 2015 with two trial games and a team weekend away, to keep up the enthusiasm and prepare physically for their first game against Power House.
With no allocated Rebels in action in Round One, they’ll need to be at their best to come up trumps against Power House, who will have the pleasure of calling upon Rebels back Tom Kingston, who debuted for the side in 2014. Finishing fifth last season, the Power House team has been working hard to power into the new season and seek a finals place in 2015.
Endeavour Hills – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We want to be competitive in our set plays, and there’s a big emphasis on trying to dominate the breakdown,” says Endeavour Hills Head Coach John Eden. “In saying that, we are working really hard on our discipline, so giving away limited penalties is a priority. We want to treasure our possession and use it wisely.
“I’m expecting to see quite a strong Power House backline, especially dominant in the centres. I think they will be quite strong in their set plays but I think we can compete in that area. They have good coaches who I know well and they know how I work, so this should be a good game. We got them big time in this game last year so they will be going out all guns to repay the favour.
Power House – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We hope to see a vast improvement on our 2014 opener against this opposition,” says Power House Head Coach Glenn Fowles. “That game provided a slow start that ultimately cost us a finals position. We don’t want that in 2015 and have been working on rectifying that this year.
“Endeavour Hills is always a tough match to get first. Their enthusiasm and physicality from the opening whistle are ever-present, and it should be a good game.”
Harlequin vs Melbourne University
The two-time defending champions, Harlequin will be striving for the same consistency as they aim for a three peat for the first time in the Club’s history. Rebels loosehead prop Jed Gillespie won a Shute Shield title with Eastwood in Sydney last year, and he will help cover the loss of Dale Stevenson and Kolo Mahe in Quins’ front row.
While Melbourne University finished 7th in2014 and were thoroughly beaten by ‘Quins in Round Seventeen, going down 52-7, the Club is fighting back strongly so expect to see more games like their shock Round Eight win over the same opponent. Former All Blacks lock Brad Mika has been announced as the new forwards coach for 2015,a wonderful mentor for this young group, and Uni will fancy their chances against ‘Quins; they know they need to beat the best to rise up the ladder this year.
Harlequin – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“It has been a long pre-season and the guys just want to play some real Rugby,” says Harlequin Director of Rugby Brock Parker. “Some physicality in the contact area is going to be vital, and showing patience in attack with ball security and building the pressure will be vital as well. Rugby never changes, so ensuring good clean set piece ball will be a top priority.
“Uni are the great unknown to be honest, with the arrival of a new coaching team and we believe a number of new players from over the ditch; they have stated they have high expectations for the coming season and look forward to playing us in the first round. We expect they will be far more physical and experienced so it should be a good test to see where we are at presently for the long season ahead.”
Melbourne Uni – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“Expect patience,” says Melbourne Uni Head Coach Jason Jones. “We have a very different squad to last season, so it will take us time to gel as a team. In the trials we have looked very good in patches, but also looked rushed at times and unsure of each other’s roles and responsibilities. Last weekend's trial against Box Hill enabled us to get our squads sorted and give them a run together which was handy. We definitely look to be more potent in attack this season, but it’s our defense that will need time to lock in.”
“Harlequin are the reigning Premiers so we expect them to come out and be a bloody good side. For us, it’s a great place to bench mark ourselves against over the course of a long season. Quins will be physical and be very accurate at the breakdown, so this is the key component of the game for us this week. Quins have a lot of experience in their Club, so for us it’s about working hard, staying calm and taking little steps forward. It should be a great game to start the year.”
Footscray vs Melbourne Unicorns (Match of the Round)
Justin Carroll takes over from former Rebel Nic Henderson in leading Footscray this year, and he has been putting in great effort to get his team ready to role in 2015. After two losses against the Unicorns last year, 32-15 in Round Three and 23-21 in Round Thirteen, the Bulldogs will be looking to start off brightly.
Jordy Reid and Telusa Veainu impressed at this level in 2014, and those Rebels return for Melbourne this weekend as well as Unicorns’ debutant Cam Crawford, a former Wallaby training squad member and winner of the 2014 Super Rugby competition with the Waratahs. The Unicorns haven’t won the title since 2011, and they’ll be hoping this is the year they secure an 18th competition premiership. This is the match of the round, and you’ll be able to follow it all live via Twitter.
Footscray – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“I’m looking to see a consistent performance, putting in place all our systems from the pre-season,” says Foostcray Head Coach Justin Carroll. “We are also excited about seeing the new players to the Club and the impact the will have.”
“As for the Unicorns, we expect a well-drilled team with the ability to strike from anywhere; with the inclusion of their Rebels they will be even more dangerous. We expect them to attack from all parts of the field so our defensive systems will be tested.”
Melbourne Unicorns – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“I’ve put a challenge to the boys to constantly improve every week personally and as a team,” says Anare Koliavu, Melbourne Unicorns’ Head Coach. “We will work on getting our basic set plays sorted and work at the breakdown.
“I expect Foostcray to attack us at the break down and come out with intensity but the boys have prepared well and hopefully that shows on the field.”
With Harlequin setting the benchmark through their Grand Final triumph over the Box Hill Broncos last year, winning the Premiership two years in a row, there will be no shortage of teams determined to improve and prevent ‘Quins from winning it again.
This year, the Dewar Shield welcomes Direct Connect as the official naming rights partner of the competition. The leading Australian utilities service re-connection provider has been a primary long-term supporter of Melbourne University, and have now stepped up to the to support the broader Rugby community of Victoria.
And in exciting news, each week a game will be selected as the Direct Connect Dewar Shield Match of the Round, with a full match report to follow on Monday for that game as well as a live Twitter feed from @melbournerebels during the match.
Stay tuned to melbournerebels.com.au for all of your Direct Connect Dewar Shield news throughout the year, including team lists every Saturday, match reviews, match previews, feature articles and more.
Moorabbin vs. Box Hill
After finishing runners up last year, new Broncos’ Director of Rugby Ilie Tabua has been helping Head Coach Andrew Slyfield in implementing an even clearer game plan and mentality in 2015. With Rebels Ben Meehan and Radike Samo named to play, Wallaby forward Samo’s first ever appearance in the competition, Box Hill look a force to be reckoned with again this year.
Moorabbin finished fourth and held strong against the Broncos last year, tying in Round Five and going down narrowly in Round Fifteen. The Rams will be aiming for a strong start this time around; they will get some good help from Rebels prop Tim Metcher, making his Dewar Shield debut.
Box Hill – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We are looking to integrate new players into the team this weekend,” says Box Hill Head Coach Andrew Slyfield. “As we try and maintain our structures and system, we want to be really positive and play with the same Box Hill style and flair as last season. We know we need to play for the full 80 minutes if we are going to have any chance of winning.
“We expect to see Moorabbin really take it to us; they are a strong mobile team and really set the standard at the start of last season. They play a similar style to us, so we expect the two teams to go ‘toe to toe’ and battle it out in a close one.”
Moorabbin – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
Not provided
Endeavour Hills vs Power House
After a tough 2014 season, Endeavour Hills’ Head Coach John Eden has prepared his side for 2015 with two trial games and a team weekend away, to keep up the enthusiasm and prepare physically for their first game against Power House.
With no allocated Rebels in action in Round One, they’ll need to be at their best to come up trumps against Power House, who will have the pleasure of calling upon Rebels back Tom Kingston, who debuted for the side in 2014. Finishing fifth last season, the Power House team has been working hard to power into the new season and seek a finals place in 2015.
Endeavour Hills – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We want to be competitive in our set plays, and there’s a big emphasis on trying to dominate the breakdown,” says Endeavour Hills Head Coach John Eden. “In saying that, we are working really hard on our discipline, so giving away limited penalties is a priority. We want to treasure our possession and use it wisely.
“I’m expecting to see quite a strong Power House backline, especially dominant in the centres. I think they will be quite strong in their set plays but I think we can compete in that area. They have good coaches who I know well and they know how I work, so this should be a good game. We got them big time in this game last year so they will be going out all guns to repay the favour.
Power House – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“We hope to see a vast improvement on our 2014 opener against this opposition,” says Power House Head Coach Glenn Fowles. “That game provided a slow start that ultimately cost us a finals position. We don’t want that in 2015 and have been working on rectifying that this year.
“Endeavour Hills is always a tough match to get first. Their enthusiasm and physicality from the opening whistle are ever-present, and it should be a good game.”
Harlequin vs Melbourne University
The two-time defending champions, Harlequin will be striving for the same consistency as they aim for a three peat for the first time in the Club’s history. Rebels loosehead prop Jed Gillespie won a Shute Shield title with Eastwood in Sydney last year, and he will help cover the loss of Dale Stevenson and Kolo Mahe in Quins’ front row.
While Melbourne University finished 7th in2014 and were thoroughly beaten by ‘Quins in Round Seventeen, going down 52-7, the Club is fighting back strongly so expect to see more games like their shock Round Eight win over the same opponent. Former All Blacks lock Brad Mika has been announced as the new forwards coach for 2015,a wonderful mentor for this young group, and Uni will fancy their chances against ‘Quins; they know they need to beat the best to rise up the ladder this year.
Harlequin – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“It has been a long pre-season and the guys just want to play some real Rugby,” says Harlequin Director of Rugby Brock Parker. “Some physicality in the contact area is going to be vital, and showing patience in attack with ball security and building the pressure will be vital as well. Rugby never changes, so ensuring good clean set piece ball will be a top priority.
“Uni are the great unknown to be honest, with the arrival of a new coaching team and we believe a number of new players from over the ditch; they have stated they have high expectations for the coming season and look forward to playing us in the first round. We expect they will be far more physical and experienced so it should be a good test to see where we are at presently for the long season ahead.”
Melbourne Uni – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“Expect patience,” says Melbourne Uni Head Coach Jason Jones. “We have a very different squad to last season, so it will take us time to gel as a team. In the trials we have looked very good in patches, but also looked rushed at times and unsure of each other’s roles and responsibilities. Last weekend's trial against Box Hill enabled us to get our squads sorted and give them a run together which was handy. We definitely look to be more potent in attack this season, but it’s our defense that will need time to lock in.”
“Harlequin are the reigning Premiers so we expect them to come out and be a bloody good side. For us, it’s a great place to bench mark ourselves against over the course of a long season. Quins will be physical and be very accurate at the breakdown, so this is the key component of the game for us this week. Quins have a lot of experience in their Club, so for us it’s about working hard, staying calm and taking little steps forward. It should be a great game to start the year.”
Footscray vs Melbourne Unicorns (Match of the Round)
Justin Carroll takes over from former Rebel Nic Henderson in leading Footscray this year, and he has been putting in great effort to get his team ready to role in 2015. After two losses against the Unicorns last year, 32-15 in Round Three and 23-21 in Round Thirteen, the Bulldogs will be looking to start off brightly.
Jordy Reid and Telusa Veainu impressed at this level in 2014, and those Rebels return for Melbourne this weekend as well as Unicorns’ debutant Cam Crawford, a former Wallaby training squad member and winner of the 2014 Super Rugby competition with the Waratahs. The Unicorns haven’t won the title since 2011, and they’ll be hoping this is the year they secure an 18th competition premiership. This is the match of the round, and you’ll be able to follow it all live via Twitter.
Footscray – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“I’m looking to see a consistent performance, putting in place all our systems from the pre-season,” says Foostcray Head Coach Justin Carroll. “We are also excited about seeing the new players to the Club and the impact the will have.”
“As for the Unicorns, we expect a well-drilled team with the ability to strike from anywhere; with the inclusion of their Rebels they will be even more dangerous. We expect them to attack from all parts of the field so our defensive systems will be tested.”
Melbourne Unicorns – What to expect, and what they’re expecting:
“I’ve put a challenge to the boys to constantly improve every week personally and as a team,” says Anare Koliavu, Melbourne Unicorns’ Head Coach. “We will work on getting our basic set plays sorted and work at the breakdown.
“I expect Foostcray to attack us at the break down and come out with intensity but the boys have prepared well and hopefully that shows on the field.”
pablo
Darby Loudon (17)
Here are my thoughts on the opening round:
Moorabbin v Box Hill - Box Hill BP win
Endeavour Hills v Power House - House in a nervous, close game
Quins v Uni - Quins in a close game, Uni will surprise this season I think
Footscray v Melbourne - If the Rebels weren't involved I'd tip Footscray, but think Melbourne might pip them with 3 Rebels playing.
Moorabbin v Box Hill - Box Hill BP win
Endeavour Hills v Power House - House in a nervous, close game
Quins v Uni - Quins in a close game, Uni will surprise this season I think
Footscray v Melbourne - If the Rebels weren't involved I'd tip Footscray, but think Melbourne might pip them with 3 Rebels playing.
elementfreak
Trevor Allan (34)
I reckon Moorabbin - Box Hill is going to be a cracker of a game, if both sides "turn up" then it should be a free flowing end to end affair. If I could I would go down to watch it.
- Status