The Melbourne Rebels have today unveiled their 2021 away jersey, featuring a very strong link to their home state and city. The new-look jersey includes a large V on the front and for the first time will also feature the iconic MELBOURNE logo as the centrepiece of the V.
The new away jersey was inspired by the extraordinary support the club has received from their supporters, their sponsors, and critically, the Victorian Government. It comes off the back of a tough year in 2020 when the State stood tall for all sport in Victoria throughout a challenging year.
This was especially the case in relation to the Rebels and Rugby Victoria, where it is no exaggeration to say that the State Government's guidance, collaboration and financial support was vital to the club’s survival according to Melbourne Rebel’s Chairman Paul Docherty.
‘The Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula, the Minister for Community Sport, Ros Spence and Sport & Recreation Victoria have been there for our community in very trying times. In recognition of our gratitude to our city home, and the support we have received from the Government, we are very proud that the front of the Rebels’ away jersey will feature the MELBOURNE logo. We are also very excited to help promote our state and our city as a tourist destination as we travel the country playing our away matches. The commitment of our great State to Rugby Union now and into the future, like no other State is truly appreciated,’ Docherty commented.
The partnership is part of several exciting initiatives between the sport of Rugby and Victorian Government highlighted by the collaboration between both parties in the planning process for the first Victorian State Rugby Centre, at Latrobe University.
Importantly for all rugby fans, the Rebels are also working closely with VISIT VICTORIA to ensure that Melbourne is the preferred destination for some of the world’s biggest rugby events over coming years.
Launching the jersey today were the Melbourne Rebels 2021 Leadership group, including captain Dane Haylett Petty who loved the new look. Dane Haylett-Petty will captain the Rebels alongside fellow Wallaby Matt To’omua who will be Vice Captain for the 2021 season.
The seven-man leadership team includes Reece Hodge, Cameron Orr, Brad Wilkin, Marika Koroibete and Jordan Uelese. The experienced group has 156 Wallaby caps between them and will form part of the broader leadership group for the season.
Rebels Captain, Dane Haylett-Petty said “It’s an honour to lead the club again this year, we’ve had a very positive pre-season and the team is excited to take on the Reds this Friday. We love playing for our club and our fans and representing our city and the state of Victoria. The new jersey really brings this feeling to life and the team are excited about running out with the big V and Melbourne showing,’ Haylett-Petty commented.
Rebels coach Dave Wessels said, “We have a fantastic group of guys in our leadership team this year, Dane and Matt will provide some great knowledge and experience to our younger players.”
