The Melbourne Rebels are hoping to strengthen the pathway to Super Rugby for local talent with the Direct Connect Dewar Shield Ambassador program evolving in 2016. Every contracted Rebels player has been assigned as an ambassador to a local Rugby club, where their role will vary from playing for their Club, attending functions, junior registration days and engaging with all stakeholders.
“The Dewar Shield teams are really keen to build on the existing strong foundations, alignment and engagement with the Rebels so there are some exciting times ahead,” Melbourne Rebels General Manager Rugby Operations Baden Stephenson said.
For the first time, representatives, including presidents, coaches and directors of rugby, from all nine Dewar Shield clubs were invited to spend the morning with Rebels players and coaching staff at IKON Park on Tuesday.
The guests joined the Rebels for a team meeting before hearing from Stephenson, Head Coach Tony McGahan and Head of Performance Bryce Cavanagh about the direction of the club and watching the players be put through their paces in a training session.
“It’s extremely important to have this strong connection as the professional game can’t succeed without that community base,” Stephenson said.
“We’ve got some great junior clubs and Dewar Shield clubs in Melbourne that are vital for growing the code and Melbourne Rebels base.
“We want everyone in Melbourne to feel passionately that the Rebels are their Super Rugby team.”
Rebels flanker Jordy Reid has been a regular member of the Melbourne Unicorns for the last two seasons.
The fan favourite said the relationship between the Rebels and local clubs was important to the success of Rugby in Melbourne.
“It’s great to have an affiliation with a local club,” Reid said. “I think that relationship is super important.”
“I’ve played my fair share of games in the Dewar Shield so I love getting back to club land and getting amongst all the guys who love playing for the fun of it and those trying to make it to the next level.
“Trying to bridge the gap and get familiar with the club players and the player in around the club is good for us and good for them as well.”
After making history with the club signing its first two home-grown players, Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota, Stephenson hopes a strong relationship with local teams will provide greater opportunities for local players.
“We’ve just signed our first two local contracted players and we want more home grown talent to be future Rebels,” Stephenson said.
“It’s really important that the clubs and players feel there’s a pathway for success and opportunities here in Melbourne.”
The Melbourne Rebels continue their preparations for the 2016 Super Rugby season with a final trial match against Manu Samoa at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Thursday 18 February from 6.30pm.
The Rebels kick off their 2016 Super Rugby season against the Western Force on Saturday 27 February at nib Stadium, Perth, before returning home for its first home game against the Queensland Reds at AAMI Park, Melbourne, on Saturday 12 March.
Melbourne Unicorns Club Ambassadors
Source: Rebels Media Unit
