The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their 23-player squad as they prepare to head to Japan to face Kintetsu Liners on October 15.
It will be the first time the two sides will be able to face off after the formation of the relationship in 2019.
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Head coach Kevin Foote has included Wallabies hooker Jordan Uelese as well as experienced trio Sam Talakai, Richard Hardwick and Cameron Orr.
Josh Kemeny has also been named, completing his recovery from an ACL injury, whilst new recruits Monty Ioane and Tualima Tuaina will get their chance to impress ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Along with this, the Rebels have selected Victorian Axemen trio Angus Blair, Stefan Destounis and Jono Lightfoot following their strong showings in the Australian Rugby Championship last month.
“It’s awesome to go back to Japan and back to our great partners in Kintetsu, in such a great city of Osaka, so we’re really pumped,” said Foote in a statement.
“The investment our guys have shown the last two weeks has been great – they’ve connected on the field and also off it.
“Having the opportunity to play another game, another chance to wear the Rebels jersey and play together, will be a really positive experience and we can’t to get over there.”
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson was excited for the club to finally make the trip in what the club is calling 'a week of celebration, love, and connection.'
“This week is a major celebration for both the Melbourne Rebels and the Kintetsu Liners, and the wonderful relationship we’ve developed in what was the most significant partnership ever established between an Australian Super Rugby Club and a Japanese company,” Stephenson added.
“The Rebels aspire to be a Club with a global focus and a commitment to supporting our great game and developing into a successful and sustainable organisation through the forming of key relationships, like the special one we hold with Kintetsu.
“Our partnership has seen key benefits to both organisations over the last four years, culminating in the Liners promotion to the recently formed Japan League One last season, which was a fantastic achievement for everybody involved.
“The Liners have a proud rugby history that spans over ninety-years, so to see them back playing at the top level of Japanese Rugby has been a true testament to hard work of both Clubs, who continue to drive success, hand in hand.
“This week will be about celebrating this achievement, our partnership with Kintetsu, the Liners and the Osaka community, and working together to take the next step forward.”
Melbourne Rebels squad to face Kintetsu
Isaac Aedo Kailea
Lachie Anderson
Angus Blair
Mosiah Christian
Jaden Christian
Cullin Cooper-Jones
Stefan Destounis
David Feliuai
Theo Fourie
Carter Gordon
Richard Hardwick
Monty Ioane
Tamati Ioane
Nick Jooste
Josh Kemeny
Jono Lightfoot
Cameron Orr
Joe Pincus
Lukas Ripley
Angelo Smith
Sam Talakai
Tuaina Taii Tualima
Jordan Uelese
