The Melbourne Rebels have today announced their Super W coaching group for next season, with Jason Rogers named Head Coach for the upcoming 2023 Super W campaign.
Rogers will be joined by Silei Etuale and Luke Crameri, who have been named as assistants.
The trio’s appointments follow an extensive search and consultation process with applications received from coaches within Victoria and from across Australia.
Working alongside Rugby Australia, the Rebels identified Rogers as the most outstanding candidate to emerge from the strong pool of coaches.
Rogers brings a wealth of coaching experience and success to the Rebels Super W program, having recently led the Melbourne University Rugby 7’s to its highest-ever placing at the University Games with a silver in Newcastle and Canberra, following a third-place finish in Adelaide the week before.
Rogers will become just the second head coach in the Rebels Super W history, taking over from Melbourne’s inaugural Super W leader, Alana Thomas, after more than five-years in charge.
The new Head Coach said he’s excited about the opportunity and eager to hit the ground running.
“I’m so grateful and humble by today’s news. Humbled with the appointment and understanding it’s a privilege having the opportunity to coach the Super W program and represent the Victorian community,” said Rogers.
“What Rebels fans can expect from my coaching is a simplified approach to the game that fits our players.
“I want also to also take this time to pay tribute to those who have coached and played in our program before. Their legacy will continue to grow, and we hope to make them and the wider Victorian rugby community proud with our actions and intent in 2023.”
Silei Etuale has been a stalwart of Victorian Rugby for over twenty years as both a player and coach.
A dual Wallaroo World Cup representative, Etuale boasts an impressive coaching resume, having led both the Northern Panthers men’s and women’s sides to premierships, while also carrying valuable Super W experience, having represented the Rebels Super W program as Forwards Coach in 2021.
Meanwhile, reigning Geoff ‘Bunter’ Shaw Community Coach of the Year recipient, Luke Crameri, will return for a second season as Rebels Super W skills coach.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles said he was thrilled to confirm the appointments.
“We were impressed by the volume and quality of applications for all three positions, and our shortlist reflected the outstanding depth of quality coaches, both in Australia and here in Victoria,” said Stiles.
“Following an extensive consultation process, working closely with Rugby Australia, our selection panel strongly recommended Jason, Silei and Luke, so we’re really excited by our appointments and look forward to the campaign ahead.
“Jason impressed us with his passion, drive, and commitment to growing our Super W program and comes to our Club with a strong reputation within the Victorian rugby community, having achieved great success with the Melbourne University 7’s program.
“As we look ahead to the future, we also want to acknowledge the incredible legacy left by Alana Thomas, who has given so much to Victorian Rugby and the Melbourne Rebels.
“Alana was a true pioneer for women’s rugby here in Victoria and the Melbourne Rebels will be forever grateful for the enormous amount of work, passion and effort Alana has put into building our Super W program from scratch over the last five years.
“Alana will always be part of our Rebels family, and we wish her the very best for what’s to come next on her coaching journey.”
