Rebels foreign player quota is a blessing
Roar Rookie By Neville Howard, 8 Jul 2010 Neville Howard is a Roar Rookie
- Tagged:
- melbourne rugby, Rugby Union, Super 15, Super Rugby 2011, Waratahs
The final building blocks are falling into place for the Melbourne Rebels, as ‘we’ now have 30 players contracted to the club. We have an amazing world cup winning coach in Rod Maqueen, and a marketing spin-doctor (and one of my Idols) Harold Mitchell steering the ship into 2011 and leaders on the field with names like Mortlock, Huxley, Cordingley and Gerrard.
The player kits and membership announcements are due soon, and in just over two months, the team will assemble in Melbourne for the first time.
The ball is definitely on the roll, and gaining momentum.
On top of this, I’ve heard rumours that a few strings are being pulled in effort to have a Waratah vs. Rebels first round, which will be guaranteed to lift the AAMI Park roof!
Reflecting back to a mere few months ago, when the likes of Mark Ella and a few other disgruntled NSW rugby personalities cast scrutiny over possible team selections, and how Rebels will be diluting Australian Rugby even more, I’m happy to quietly prove them all wrong.
The Rebels have a strong team, with senior experienced players and mentors, yet balanced with enough young players who will look to stick with the Rebels in years to come.
Did they ‘raid’ the other Franchises? No. Did they significantly dilute any other team? No.
ARU announced restrictions to the signing of current Wallabies and other Australian Super rugby team players. And due to this, the Rebels were allowed to contract up to 10 foreign players.
Initially this seemed a possible burden to the average onlooker. Questions like ‘how will the public react’, and ‘Will they appeal to the average supporter?’ were asked.
I am of the opinion that the ten foreign-player-allowance was a blessing in disguise!
Yes, the initial intent was due to a recruitment embargo, which is designed to prevent any aggressive recruiting destabilising the seasons of the current four teams.
But the result is a multicultural cosmopolitan fan base in Melbourne instantly taking ownership in the team.
The Melbourne based Kiwis were quick to come out in support of the Rebels after signings of Somerville, O’Neill, MacDonald, Chamberlain and Vuna, The Saffers took pride in being represented by young guns Du Plessis and Saffy.
Not to mention the UK ex-pats falling behind the Rebels in support of players like Lipman, Delve, Cipriani.
To compliment these selections, players like Vuna, Saffy, Du Plessis, will also be available for Wallaby selection! Diluting Australian Rugby? I think not!
Rebels have not even taken the pitch, yet they’ve already added value to the Super 15, as well as the Australian Rugby Institution by bringing in young guns, as well as towing in overseas based talent such as Rodzilla, Cordingley, Mitchell and Gerrard.
In a few short months, the Rebels have proven wrong the naysayers, and won over a dedicated foreign fan base to compliment the already established rugby culture in Melbourne.
I can’t wait for 2011, and the Rebel-Army will bring it to every game.
- Explore:
- melbourne rugby, Rugby Union, Super 15, Super Rugby 2011, Waratahs
July 8th 2010 @ 2:26am
Mr Saunders said | July 8th 2010 @ 2:26am | Report comment
There’s some good players in that squad, or at the very least some very, very reliable players. I’d expect the Rebels to finish ahead of the Force.
July 8th 2010 @ 6:29am
Steve said | July 8th 2010 @ 6:29am | Report comment
I think you forget that Rooney is also now avalible to Australia, even though he is 27
July 8th 2010 @ 9:22am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 9:22am | Report comment
Good point Steve.
July 8th 2010 @ 6:55am
Hombre said | July 8th 2010 @ 6:55am | Report comment
The new S15 structure may well turn out to be a blessing for the Rebels – over the last few seasons the all australian games have on the whole tended to be dour, error ridden affairs …. with so many “home” games now scheduled the Rebels won’t be so exposed to the the more expansive games of the NZ and SA teams on a regularly basis which will potentially limited their chances of being on the end of of some hidings.
July 8th 2010 @ 10:08am
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:08am | Report comment
Yes it is a blessing to enjoy playing the reds or waratahs or brumbies instead of the highlanders lions or cheetahs.
I do agree the dour games do occur when Aust teams play eachother though. They seem to all of a sudden get scared.
July 8th 2010 @ 7:16am
formeropenside said | July 8th 2010 @ 7:16am | Report comment
Until you are producing your own players, you are diluting the strength of Australian rugby. But best wishes to the Rebels, and lets hope you dont go the way of the Force.
July 8th 2010 @ 7:37am
SCW2003 said | July 8th 2010 @ 7:37am | Report comment
‘Until you are producing your own players, you are diluting the strength of Australian rugby.’
I dont follow, FO?
July 8th 2010 @ 9:18am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 9:18am | Report comment
Wow, strong words. You forget that a lot of Victorian ‘produced’ players are playing elsewhere in Australia as they didn’t have their own Super team? Based on your logic those blokes, including the current Wallaby captain should then return to Victoria?
July 8th 2010 @ 11:10am
formeropenside said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:10am | Report comment
Actually, Elsom learned his schoolboy rugby in Queensland, as did Digby Ioane and Ben Tapuai. Queensland has at least as great a claim as Victoria in those cases. But sure, I did think Elsom should have headed south to Melbourne, actually. That would have been a great bonus, snaring the Wallaby captain, and its a sacrifice the Brumbies should have been willing to make for the good of Australian rugby.
July 9th 2010 @ 9:33pm
Liam said | July 9th 2010 @ 9:33pm | Report comment
Ioane played all his Jnr rugby in Vic. We have a vibrant Jnr comp down here. Ioane’s younger brother monty plays U16′s in Vic now. McKenzie the Qnslnd coach also played his jnr schoolboy rugby at Scotch college in Melb too. Credit where credit is due.
July 8th 2010 @ 9:56am
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 9:56am | Report comment
Perth are now generating their own players and in several years melbourne will to. The expansion of rugby is happening it is just at a nice moderate pace.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:07am
formeropenside said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:07am | Report comment
Perth are now generating their own players…
what, both of them? And its only taken 5 years.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:23am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:23am | Report comment
you seem to forget, 15 years ago, it was Waratahs, and Reds only. Did you have the same opinion when Brumbies started up? They ended up playing in the finals five times, winning twice in a period of seven years.
My point is just, more opportunities will generate more interest. I’d like to get a few statistics on how many current League players played Union in School/Unie/Clubs, but switched to League due to lack of opportunities at the top level.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:30am
Working Class Rugger said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:30am | Report comment
formeropenside
That’s not entirely fair. There are a number of local 18/19 year old’s in their academy who could realistically make the step up in the next few seasons. The issue with WA is they started with a low base and have had to build the ranks. There are quite a lot a good young juniors who will begin to show themselves on the junior ranks in the next couple of seasons or so.
July 8th 2010 @ 1:31pm
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 1:31pm | Report comment
Yep both of them – now in the Force squad. Just be patient mate Rome was not built in a day.
July 8th 2010 @ 7:27am
rebelyell said | July 8th 2010 @ 7:27am | Report comment
With a rebel yell, he cried more, more, more … Go the Rebels !!!
July 8th 2010 @ 8:31am
kovana said | July 8th 2010 @ 8:31am | Report comment
So i take it the rebels will have all home games at AAMI park?
Can someone please give me the capacity?
And i think each team will have 8-9 Home matches?
July 8th 2010 @ 9:19am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 9:19am | Report comment
Thirty one thousand capacity!
July 8th 2010 @ 9:41am
kovana said | July 8th 2010 @ 9:41am | Report comment
Thanks,,
July 8th 2010 @ 8:48am
Brett McKay said | July 8th 2010 @ 8:48am | Report comment
Neville, I’ve said this before, but I’ve got nothing but praise for the Rebels recruitment. Sure, they didn’t land many/any of their “big” targets (Barnes, Hynes, Elsom, Pocock, etc), but they’ve got a nice mix of young punks and old bucks. What has impressed me though (apart from their lack of impact to the crrent sides) is that they were able to bring back as many OS-based Australian players as they were able to recruit foreign players. I’m sure I wasn’t alone in thinking they wouldn’t get anywhere near 10 foreign players, so to get 7 or 8 that they did is a tremendous result…
I wish them all the best for next year..
July 8th 2010 @ 10:05am
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:05am | Report comment
Agreed – it is nice to see that the nay sayers are proven wrong also – Australian rugby has the depth it is just depth that we have been losing overseas that has been hurting us. Melbourne have done really well to bring back some OS based players who can have an impact and who can help bring through the next gen. Also the international flavour of the team bodes well for the international audience in melbourne.
In 5 years or so the code must look to grow again – An Argentinean team to join the SA conference – a Japanese or Pacific Islander team to join the Australian and NZ conferences or maybe an Adelaide team (again with the multicultural flavour that makes the 7′s competition so successful).
July 8th 2010 @ 11:10am
Socboy said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:10am | Report comment
I’m excited about the Rebels the have a good mix of talent and could easily make an impact in their first season. As a Kiwi who has lived in Melbourne and returns at least 6 times a year for work I have already adopted them as my second team (of course that is keeping in mind all NZ teams are number 1)
I don’t agree Australian rugby has as much depth as you would like us to believe James because if they did they would not have had to recruit the foreigners at all. Yes there is a solid base to work with but 20% of the team isn’t Australian.
I think Melbourne will come along quicker than the Force simply for this reason they have been able to recruit players of class from outside of Australia and it can only help to bring on talent in Australia.
Bring on the Super 15 Rebels to take 2nd spot in the Australian Conference
July 8th 2010 @ 11:51am
Brett McKay said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:51am | Report comment
Soc, I love that your “second” team is sixth in line!!!
July 8th 2010 @ 1:56pm
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 1:56pm | Report comment
There is not the depth of NZ but there is more depth than say Eddie Jones is trying to convince you we have. The foreigners i think in a funny way can help with the depth. They will draw more fans (ex pats obviously – NZ’ers there to watch Somerville Welsh there to watch Delve etc) These expats will then have kids who will play and this will eventually turn that into depth. Just need to be patient.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:39am
Working Class Rugger said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:39am | Report comment
James D
I doubt we’ll ever actually see a Japanese or Pacific Islands Super Rugby team. Japan have their Top League and should really be concentrating on growing both it and the games footprint aheand of their hosting of the 2019 RWC. As for the Pacific Islands. I’m of a firm belief that after next year’s RWC the IRB should be looking to expand the current Pacific Rugby Championship into a proper Championship where many young PI player’s can development and earn a living without having to sell themselves internationally.
The ARU should be looking to further expand Australia’s participation introducing both a Western Sydney and Adelaide Super Rugby squads. Onwards an Asian based team in the likes of Hong Kong should certainly been investigated. People will probably question the available depth but as has been demonstrated by the Rebels there is a whole world to source that from and Argentina would be the logical starting point.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:48am
kovana said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:48am | Report comment
Great Ideas WCR..
I too think Adelaide should be the next steping stone in Aus Rugby since i see they already have a 7′s tourny there every year..
How about Darwin in the NT? We always get FTA coverage on the Darwins Hottest 7′s comp each year..
What is the rugby following in Adelaide and Darwin anyone?
July 8th 2010 @ 10:19pm
Pete said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:19pm | Report comment
Kovana, there are a few very loyal hard working volunteers/supporters in SA and NT, but not enough interest to support a Super Rugby side for a long time (IMO). SA and NT are AFL States, and the population of Darwin is too small and transitory to have a Super rugby team (in fact I’m not aware of any NT teams in any national comps in Darwin). The 7s series are tourism drawcards, there are plenty of locals for these one off events, but there are plenty of interstaters in attendance. They are great for building general Rugby awareness in these areas.
July 8th 2010 @ 1:41pm
James D said | July 8th 2010 @ 1:41pm | Report comment
I agree on Adelaide but not on Western Sydney – Coming from the west i know the market is just not there they need to bite the bullet as they have done and start throwing serious time and effort at the two blues (Parramatta) to ensure that Western Sydney can have a conduit of players to the NSW level. The two blues started the season with only 2 teams and now they have 3 grades and two colts teams – the administrators are starting to get their heads right. The certain thing about western sydney is that it will not (can not) support its own super rugby team.
Adelaide however should def be looked at for another Super franchise – the 7′s is well supported and there are rugby people there. I know they struggle without a ground but in 5 – 6 years this may not be the case.
I hear what your saying regarding Japan but for those guys it is a massive honour thing – so if we offer the invitiation for the best team in their Top League to join the super rugby tournament each year i am fairly sure it would not be the worst thing to happen to super rugby. Or Japanese rugby for that matter who can use it as a springboard for growth and show the game is not isolated.
As for the pacific islanders someone (the IRB) needs to bite the bullet and throw a bunch of cash at the islands for development so that thier players stay around and they also need to expand the Pacific Nations Cup. Throw in PNG or the Cook islands or a few other Asian Nations near by and increase its length.
July 8th 2010 @ 10:55pm
Working Class Rugger said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:55pm | Report comment
James D
I disgree re: Western Sydney. I was born and breed in Western Sydney so I am particularly familar with the area and demographics. It’s a terribly underdeveloped region and that is in Rugby terms absolutely criminal. I started playing Rugby for the Campbeltown Harlequins. The closest other club was Camden and then Wollondilly. That’s three clubs in an area that currently has a population of more than 300,000 people. A population that is expected to at least double in the next 20 or so years. Rugby has neglected this region for far too long. There are some 2.25million people and its the fastest growth region in the country. It could comfortably support a Super Franchise it just needs investment.
Adelaide would be the next. They have a growing club competition but its not quite ready. Again it needs an increase in investment to see the required progress to be made. If they were to enter they have Hindmarsh Stadium at least in the short term.
My issue with a Japanese team in Super Rugby is simple. They just don’t appear all that interested. I’m sure they ‘d have the money to buy a quality team ( they have a number of foriegn national in their leagues) but they seem happy with the prestige of winning the Top League. What the JRFU needs to do is figure out how they can draw on the games popularity at the University level into crowds and exposure for its flagship competitons. They in effect need to get the companies that own the teams to begin to view the game as a product to be sold and developed. If they can do that then they wouldn’t need Super Rugby.
As for the Pacific Islands. Currently there are 6 teams in the Pacific Rugby Cup. As you suggested the IRB should look to include perhaps the Cook Islands and definitely a Port Moresby based team. Such a team would go a along way in developing the game in the country, could even be the Puk Puks themselves to ensure they are competitive. Another option would be a New Zealand based team. It a must in my opinion. Such a commitment would demonstrate the IRB takes the Islands seriously and are looking to develop it further. IT may not ever make money but it only fair.
As for the NT. Kovana’s query has already been sufficiently dealt with. But it would be nice to see them figure out a way of competing on a more regular basis perhaps in the Brisbane Comp ( Yeah, I’m dreaming I know).
July 8th 2010 @ 10:16am
The all new King of the Gorganites said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:16am | Report comment
Good article Nev. As a Tahs fan im exctied by the Rebels inclusion into the expanded comp.
Can you tell me more about the Rebel Army? i have a few suggestions………..
July 8th 2010 @ 10:30am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:30am | Report comment
Not sure if they’ll allow promotion on this page- We’re on Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/rebelarmy
also, you’re welcome to email me at Neville at rebel-army.com
I’d love to hear more
July 8th 2010 @ 11:23am
The all new King of the Gorganites said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:23am | Report comment
Ok nice work. I will definately try to be at the Rebels v Tahs game in Melbourne.
I assume that the Rebel army will use the Eureka/Souther Cross flag?
I thought it would be novel to wave the flag of perhaps the greatest rebel army of them all – the Confederate States of America.
Perhaps the them could be spread to other rebel armies/illuminaries…..Che, the Provos etc?
July 8th 2010 @ 12:45pm
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 12:45pm | Report comment
Unfortunately the Eureka flag’s been hijacked and misused by multiple trade union groups as well as bikie groups, and I think we should steer away from association with them. What we should do is take it back though, and we’ve done well to customize the Rebel Army logo to represent our Victorian heritage considering the Eureka Stockade and the Victorian coat of arms. It also aligns nicely, and compliments the (unpublished) Melbourne Rebels logo. Check it out, and tell me what you think. Our new site’s up and running at http://www.rebel-army.com
Your proposal to come through for the first game is great, If you can possibly get together a group of supporters, we can see how we can ensure you get a game day experience you’ll never forget!
July 8th 2010 @ 10:29pm
Pete said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:29pm | Report comment
Nev, I’ve got 7 mates (Tahs fans) ready to fly down from Sydney for the first game vs. the Tahs. Looking forward to sitting in the Stockade (AAMI park) and giving it to the Army
By the way, love the interest and passion you, Gav and co. have generated for the Rebels. When the players run out next year and look up into a full stadium they’ll have to thank you. Australian Rugby needs more blokes like you. Now enough of the man love… the Tahs are going to kick your a*rse
July 8th 2010 @ 11:01pm
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:01pm | Report comment
Thanks for the kind words Pete! Looking forward to the first game, it’s going to be a great one!
July 8th 2010 @ 10:49am
JF said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:49am | Report comment
Will the Rebel players be associated with individual clubs in Melbourne? For real growth of Rugby in Australia, teams like the Rebels and Force should be involved in improving the standard of local club rugby.
July 8th 2010 @ 10:52am
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:52am | Report comment
They definitely will be. We discussed this with Rod MacQueen last night, and each player will be a dedicated mentor to a school and/or a club in Victoria. Here we’re talking about mentoring and training off and on the pitch. Rebels will be investing in Victorian Rugby in the long term.
July 8th 2010 @ 10:55am
JF said | July 8th 2010 @ 10:55am | Report comment
Great stuff Neville, good article, love the passion.
July 8th 2010 @ 12:06pm
ncart said | July 8th 2010 @ 12:06pm | Report comment
Neville,
I hope that the schools that they are dedicated mentors to are not just private schools – they have a golden opportunity to develop the game in the state schools as well – the greater awareness of the game is important not just their traditional base.
July 8th 2010 @ 11:56am
Lachy said | July 8th 2010 @ 11:56am | Report comment
I conur.
Never met anyone who can set their mind to a task and achieve it with such rigour Mr. Howard!
July 8th 2010 @ 2:22pm
Neville Howard said | July 8th 2010 @ 2:22pm | Report comment
Cheers mate, I got the balance off your comments offline. And I concur