In a defining moment for Victorian Rugby, the Melbourne Rebels have today signed Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota for the 2016 – 17 Super Rugby seasons.
The pair become the first Victorian players to graduate through the Elite programs system and into professional Rugby. This achievement is more remarkable as they have not left Victoria to further the career, a first in the modern professional era.
Melbourne Rebels’ Head Coach Tony McGahan said it was satisfying for everybody involved with the Club to sign the eighteen year old duo.
“From the inception of the Melbourne Rebels in 2011 until now, there has always existed a desire and need to develop our own elite local talents,” McGahan said. “It has taken a huge amount of work from a number of people in the Victorian Rugby community to make this possible, and we are confident that we will see this occur with greater regularity in the future.
“Nic Henderson, in his role with the Elite Pathways program, has played a big part in helping these players grow and graduate into the professional environment. It is Sione and Rob’s natural ability, work ethic and sacrifices that have led them here and that will allow them to succeed at the Rebels.”
Frankston born and raised, Sione Tuipulotu is a familiar name in Victorian Rugby. Hailing from the Southern Districts Rugby Club, he played every match for Melbourne Rising in the 2015 NRC season. Playing in the midfield, he wowed the crowds with deft footwork and bone-crunching defence. Playing with such poise and control, one may have mistaken Sione for a more seasoned veteran. A big future awaits Sione in professional Rugby.
Preston born and raised, Rob Leota first played for Victoria at U 14 level in 2011. Hailing from the Northern Rugby Club, he featured in the 2014 Melbourne Rebels’ U 17 Junior Gold Cup side that made the grand final. Rob won a silver medal in Rugby Sevens at the Youth Commonwealth Games and has represented the Australian Schoolboys side. This is quite a remarkable achievement for someone who is still finishing his secondary education at Thornbury High School.
This is indeed a landmark achievement by the Melbourne Rebels and further demonstrates their commitment to growing the game in Victoria.
