Goings, Comings, Rumours & In Limbo
With the 2017 season being the worst on record for the Rebels in terms of performance, coupled with the uncertainty of the future, it is no surprise then that a large turnover is to be expected. With Baden Stephenson appointed CEO near the end of the 2017 season, he signalled changes on and off the field were required moving forward into 2018. This process is still occurring, so the list that follows is what we know thus far for the playing and coaching roster.
Going
Dominic Day (Saracens)
Jack Debreczeni (Honda Heat)
Harley Fox (Connacht)
Mitch Inman (Oyonnax)
Sean McMahon (Suntory)
Ben Meehan (London Irish)
Tim Metcher (Released)
Jonah Placid (Toulon)
Jake Schatz (London Irish)
Toby Smith (Hurricanes)
Mick Snowden (Released)
Sean McMahon – will be a big loss
Coming
Tetera Faulkner (Western Force)
Will Genia (Stade Francais)
Harrison Goddard (Randwick / Rebels U20s)
Dave Horwitz (Waratahs)
Henry Hutchison (Aussie 7s)
Geoff Parling (Exeter)
Unconfirmed
Cruze Ah-Nau
Murray Douglas (short-term – in Northland Mitre 10 Cup squad)
Pama Fou
Jackson Garden-Bachop (in Wellington Lions Mitre Cup 10 squad)
Esei Ha’angana (in 2017 Rising squad)
Kentaro Kodama
Patrick Leafa
Will Miller (short-term)
Tom Moloney (in 2017 Rising squad)
Dennis Pili-Gaitau
Jordy Reid
Culum Retallick (in bay of Plenty Mitre 10 Cup squad)
Dom Shipperley
Siliva Siliva (in 2017 Rising squad)
Hugh Sinclair (short-term)
Ben Volavola (in North Harbour Mitre 10 Cup squad)
Coaching Staff
Out: Tony McGahan (Head Coach) In: TBA
The Rebels will be back in 2018 but without the services of the head coach, Tony McGahan, star players such as Sean McMahon, Toby Smith, Mitch Inman and several others have moved on. The recruiting department will be busy as there are up to twelve contracts to be filled. Already signed are prop Tetera Faulkner, experienced Exeter/England/BIL lock Geoff Parling , centre David Horwitz and Sevens star, Henry Hutchinson. In a huge boost, superstar and fan favourite, Amanaki Mafi has re-signed for another year.
In recent news, Will Genia has committed to the club for two seasons. A real leader, who will help grow the club.
Will Genia – coming to Melbourne in 2018
Stand by for more player announcements.
