Wallabies back Dane Haylett-Petty and his younger brother Ross have joined the Melbourne Rebels on two-year deals.
The pair have joined a swag of players linking with their former Western Force coach Dave Wessels at the Rebels following the Super Rugby side’s axing.
Dane, 28, is missing the Wallabies four-Test spring tour after biceps surgery but will be a strong addition to the Rebels with his ability to play fullback or wing.
Ross, 23, is an emerging backrower/lock who played in all 15 games this Super Rugby season.
Dane said he was excited to be able to play under Wessels.
“The rugby program that Dave (Wessels) runs is all about hard-work and pushing each other and I think we’re building a very competitive group at the Rebels so I know that he’s going to get the best out of me here,” Dane said.
Wessels said the pair woulld complement the new program being established at the Rebels.
“Dane and Ross are talented, committed and hard working players,” Wessels said.
“Both have made significant strides in their development as experienced players over the last couple of years at an international and national level but I believe they still have their best rugby ahead of them which is exciting for everyone at our club.”
The Rebels are hopeful of landing Force locks Adam Coleman and Matt Philip, who are currently on Wallabies duty in Japan.
piru
Roar Rookie
Not sure of exact numbers, Polota Nau is the obvious one, but some like Lance have chosen to go overseas
piru
Roar Rookie
Yeah kind of defeats the purpose if the Force players all go to Melbourne doesn't it
andrewM
Guest
So much for improving the depth of the remaining franchises. I can see the headlines now, "Rebels finishing top of ladder justifies decision says EARU"..ignores fact Reds and Tahs still languishing.
piru
Roar Rookie
In my most optimistic moments I've imagined what the roar would be like if/when the Force run back out.
andrewM
Guest
We do know that either Clarke or Pulver lied, That has been established by the enquiry - neither has stated that they brought a confidential document to the meeting with the VRU.
piru
Roar Rookie
No you're not - go back to rugby.com and post your trash there Joe
piru
Roar Rookie
I feel like getting a jersey for reasons of solidarity. Well they're going cheap! Might be worth something one day, maybe. I'll never lose interest in the game, not really an option in my family, but possibly the Aussie version. That said I've gone straight onto the Spirit so we'll see once the season's over - NRC has been much more fun to watch than Super Rugby imo
piru
Roar Rookie
Just ignore him Bakkies, he's only allowed a half hour of internet a day before mum takes it off him again. Can't imagine why a kid who's never laced a rugby boot up wastes his time posting such drivel on a rugby page
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That's purely my opinion RE: Fou. That said, he had to prove himself to get another contract. He really had no reputation as a 15s player and is 27 years old.
John R
Roar Guru
That's BS re: Reid, if he doesn't get picked up again. Bit harsh on Fou as well. 1 year deal, and he slips over in the shower and doesn't play a single game??
John R
Roar Guru
I'm very happy mate, thanks for telling me what my priorities should be though.
Train Without A Station
Guest
Did you see the bid? And hey if an organisation did one thing poorly 12 or 13 years ago I guess that's reasonable to hold it against them forever even though anybody involved is probably not even there any more...
Joe Barker
Guest
Its going to be a ripper of a season next yr. It makes sense to have a team in Melbourne as we're the sporting capital of Australia!
Rugger
Guest
How many of the ex force players have missed out on super rugby contracts next season?
Bakkies
Guest
Maybe that is why Mortlock wasted the last season or two of his career at the Rebels
Tim Rogers
Roar Rookie
I wish the players well. So now the season is over and WA have fought on bravely through near on rugby genocide in the west. To be dismantled so brutally and with little compassion from those at rugby head quarters is like a knife driven into the heart. 12years I’ve dedicated myself to watching every game at home as well as some away buying tickets to fly east. I as a fan feel discriminated against because of where I live. I can’t just hop in a car and drive to a super rugby game which I was investing $450 approx a year to sit in my seat and watch my team win lose or draw. Buy the program which was $5, enjoy the company of fellow fans and even the friendly niggle and banter with the opposition. To see a game now I’d have to sit in front of an idiot box to watch a team who does not represent me in any form. Some and not all I am aware will tell me to suck it up, but to those you have not lost your team, your thrill of getting kitted up as a supporter and joining others as we march to the gates with the anticipation that maybe we will win this one, knowing our team will give their all in their attempt to do so! I hope the IPRC does come to something because without it I will invest my hard earned else where AFL is not far away here and I grew up on it -I’ve never hated it. It never abandoned me like Union has the 1991 wc inspired me to love the game yet some men in shirts and suit pants make me loathe the direction they have taken the sport. They have no idea the hurt and overall distrust we have for them.
Train Without A Station
Guest
And secondly, probably the same reason that the Force were allowed Peter Grant (SA) and Marcelle Brache (USA) this year. But as it was the Force you don't mind, right? Bakkies - Crusader for what's right... as long as he already dislikes the alleged offender.
Train Without A Station
Guest
You have no idea what was said. You have claimed that it was hidden in confidentiality. That doesn't change you have no idea what was said.
PiratesRugby
Guest
Yep, that's the one. We were very poor in the line out this year.
Bakkies
Guest
They have always struggled to organise a p..s up in a brewery. Their bid for the fourth side was absolutely atrocious.