The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed the signing of Australian-born, Italian flyer Monty Ioane on a one-year deal.
Ioane returns home to Melbourne after nine years overseas, making his professional debut with Stade Français in the Top 14 as a teenager.
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He went on to play for URC side Benetton, eventually earning a call-up to the Italian national side in 2020.
The 27-year-old has played 14 Tests, scoring twice in the 2021 Six Nations against England and Italy.
"Growing up in a strong rugby family, Melbourne was where my love for the game first began”, said Ioane in a statement.
"It’s honestly a dream to return back home and represent my city at the highest level now. I never thought the opportunity would arise but here I am today and it’s one of the most exciting moments of my playing career. I can’t wait for the opportunity to push my case and run out onto AAMI Park wearing a Rebels jersey.
Ioane was thrilled at the prospect of representing his home state, proud of the growth of the sport in Victoria.
"Looking back on my time in juniors, I’ve had some great memories playing for Endeavour Hills, especially from under-12’s when I was captain and we ended up winning the grand final against Northcote," he explained.
“When I started my junior rugby here, it was tough, but looking forward to where Melbourne has come with rugby now and the pathways available, it’s honestly incredible.
"Having homegrown players playing for the Rebels is special and as a Victorian, I have great pride seeing the opportunities created for the kids, that next generation, and giving them something to dream of and pursue.”
This was shared by GM of Rugby Nick Stiles, having already recruited the likes of Sam Talakai and Alex Mafi in the off-season.
“It’s great to have such a quality talent and person like Monty join the Melbourne Rebels,” Stiles added.
“After growing up playing in the Victorian rugby community, it’s been fantastic to see Monty’s pride in the growth of rugby in our state and the opportunities that are now available for young, hungry, and talented Victorian players.
“Monty will obviously be a valuable addition on the field, but off it, he’ll bring great value mentoring our next generation of Victorian Rebels and showing them what it takes to develop into a successful Test player.
“It's a really exciting time for Victorian rugby. We’ve just had the senior and junior grand finals, Melbourne’s hosting a Bledisloe match for the first time since 2010 with five Rebels pushing for selection and next week, we’ll be hosting the inaugural Victorian Cup Series which will see our state's best Club players receiving the opportunity to test themselves against Super Rugby competition and compete for a spot on the Rebels tour of Japan.”
