The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Isi Naisarani signs with Rebels and Rugby Australia

19th July, 2018
Advertisement
Isi Naisarani runs the ball during his time with the Perth Spirit. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)
Editor
19th July, 2018
54
1342 Reads

Melbourne Rebels have a ready-made replacement for departing backrowers Amanaki Maki and Lopeti Timani with Brumbies rising star Isi Naisarani joining the Super Rugby franchise.

The 23-year-old Fiji-born Naisarani is also in the sights of Wallabies coach Michael Cheika, signing a one-year deal with Rugby Australia.

He will be eligible to play for Australia in April, putting him in line for a potential spot in next year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.

The 23-year-old made his Super Rugby debut for the Western Force in their final season, making five appearances for the club in 2017 and scoring one try. He won the award for being the Force’s best player that year too, making him the first debutant to receive the honour.

He had a breakout year for the Brumbies this year, starting in all 15 of their 2018 matches and crossing the line five times – putting him well in the sights of Australian and Fijian national selectors.

Having now lived in Australia for the required five years, he is eligible for Wallabies selection.

In a press release, Naisarani said it’d had been a big two years for him.

“I’m really excited to get down to Melbourne and team up with Dave at the Rebels. He’s had a big impact on me, and helping me to improve as a player.

Advertisement

“It doesn’t seem that long ago that I was playing for Brisbane City in the National Rugby Championship but I know that I have to keep on working hard to improve myself as a player.

“The World Cup in Japan is a big dream of mine and obviously to pull on that Gold jersey would be something very special,” he said.

Rebels coach Dave Wessels said he was excited to work with the 23-year-old again.

“He made a real impression straight away at the Western Force in his first year of Super Rugby, which is no easy feat to step straight into one of the toughest provincial rugby competitions in the world.

“Isi brings professionalism and work ethic on and off-the-track to everything he does.

“He adds a real touch of X-factor and versatility in the backrow and we think he’ll compliment the strength of our forward pack,” he said.

– With AAP

Advertisement
close