Melbourne Rebels back-rower Josh Kemeny says his move overseas isn’t about turning his back on the Wallabies but about making him a better player.
Kemeny made his Test debut last year, playing twice, but then surprised onlookers by signing a two-year deal with English club Northampton Saints – meaning he will miss the opportunity to establish himself with the Wallabies ahead of next year’s British and Irish Lions tour and a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Ahead of Melbourne’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Saturday night, Kemeny said exposure to northern hemisphere rugby could only help his game.
“Playing international rugby has always been a big goal and I was grateful to do that last year, but this is a really exciting move for my career, ” said Kemeny, who has been with Melbourne since 2020.
“I’m 25, so it definitely doesn’t close that door by any means – it’s something that’s going to help me develop as a player, and hopefully an international player.”
Kemeny has missed the Rebels’ past three games with an ankle injury but joins star Test fullback Andrew Kellaway in returning to the line-up.
Josh Kemeny. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
The Sydney-born Kemeny said belief was growing with each win that the Rebels could make their first finals campaign, with the team sitting fifth after seven rounds.
“I’ve been here a couple of years and the feeling this year is definitely the strongest, the most belief that we’ve,” he said.
“Coming back from deficits in games is something that we didn’t do well last year but something we’re doing really well now.
“Winning those types of games is really good for the feeling around the club.”
He said the improved work-rate and fitness of the players was notable, allowing them to lift in the closing stages.
The eighth-placed Highlanders are Melbourne’s last target in a three-week block ahead of the bye to set themselves up for a maiden finals run.
Still waiting on a decision from Rugby Australia over their future in the competition, the financially stricken club took down the Waratahs in Sydney followed by the Fijian Drua at home in the last round.
“We wanted to have a narrow focus to reset the minds … and this was a three-week focus,” said coach Kevin Foote, whose team last won three straight in 2020.
“Winning the Weary Dunlop trophy (against the Waratahs) was massive for us and then to beat the Drua, and now to finish this block off with a good challenge against the Highlanders.
“If we do that we set ourselves up in a good place, going into the bye in a place we’re quite happy with.”
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Kemeny has been excellent so far this season…
Qualify
Roar Rookie
Yeah, crazy, I know. Best prop in the country.
Kai Levuka
Roar Rookie
Hang on, is this the same TT that everyone was crucifying and saying ‘good riddance’ to about 3 weeks ago?
Lr6050
Roar Rookie
Logic - stuck behind Mo’unga for a few years. Mo’unga leaves. Burke gets a shot, leaves anyway.
Guess
Roar Rookie
Another player says he goes to Europe to be a better player. There seems to be a charity in Europe paying players to make them better :laughing:
jimmy jones
Roar Rookie
Ahead of wright but not the usual suspects.
Rocky's Rules
Roar Rookie
Ok another Rebel leaving the sinking ship. Kemeny proved again this season he never deserved WB selection and EJs selection of him over P Samu was just..... crazy. Kemeny is just a decent provincial level player atm. Won't surprise me if he's a bench player for Northhampton :thumbup:
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
'Melbourne Rebels back-rower Josh Kemeny says his move overseas isn’t about turning his back on the Wallabies but about making him a better player.' Didn't realise there was a comedy column on the Roar.
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Yeah very good player
PeterK
Roar Guru
and Wright is better at the ruck I have Wright ahead because the better balance it adds and more physicality is not needed as much as ruck work and nous if you have Valetini / Wilson etc.
Qualify
Roar Rookie
Giteau law him. He's the MVP at the moment, but I don't think he's getting the necessary tutelage here.
Patrick
Ummm, we need Tupou for the Lions series.
LeftRightOut
Roar Rookie
FF, Europe is not for everyone. Which is understandable and fair enough. I just don't think it should be shut down as an option. I wish Kemeny the best!
Footy Franks
Roar Rookie
Europe is the place to go to improve.
LeftRightOut
Roar Rookie
Repack, personally I don't go in for this club or state bias that is sprouted on here re selections. Any and all coaches, just want to win. It is their career/livelihood/reputation on the line. Professional and amateur. In my very old life of loving rugby, the only time I have ever doubted an oz selection is Jones in 84 with Matt Burke, and that is without any actual facts. I even accepted, not agreed with, Dwyer dropping Lynagh for Walker! Apologies to all for the ancient history stuff, I will stop now, as it has no relevance or interest for today's rugby. Apologies Rejack, again I have written inexcess. I just hope you enjoy the game as I have. It is truly, a wonderful game.
Qualify
Roar Rookie
Next up should be Tupou. 2 year stint. Northern hemisphere is great for developing players.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
Anybody who blanket says Liam Wright is ahead of him hasn’t watched Kemeny this season and last season. Different players but Kemeny for example is more athletic and physical than Wright. Wright is smarter and even better in the line out.
Rejack
Roar Rookie
" Ramm has played 2 games since long term injury and would waltz back into any of the back of the three for the tahs." I`d drop Jorgo and play Ramm at FB.
Rejack
Roar Rookie
Kemeny was Sydney Uni boy. Eddie loved Sydney rookies in his Wallaby squad.
LeftRightOut
Roar Rookie
I understand Peter, but I still respect anyone who wears the gold. Northampton will lose some key forwards at the end of season. Maybe Kemeny was going cheap, but I would like to lean on the side that they saw some talent that could be developed. Glass half full stuff. Ramm has played 2 games since long term injury and would waltz back into any of the back of the three for the tahs. Again I bore people, but I have no problems with players going north and making a go of it. If we are smart enough etc to entice that and then bring them back, then I am all for taking advantage of the north. I leave out the Japan league on purpose, because I am not watching it, so have no justifiable opinion.