Rebels back-row Rob Leota has been rewarded for his breakout season, re-signing with the club and Rugby Australia until the end of 2023.
Leota is amongst a bevy of big-name Rebels to recommit to the club for the next two years, joined by fellow Wallaby Andrew Kellaway.
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"I'm stoked to be able to commit my future to the Rebels and to the Wallabies," Leota said in a statement. “It's great to see the Burn Boys presence increasing at the Rebels, as more and more locals join the team and we continue to represent our local clubs and community with pride. "I'm enjoying my time here in Wallabies camp so far and am learning a lot of both the coaching staff and the other players in the squad."
"Rob is a good young man, who has big future ahead of him and we're really pleased he's committed to Australian Rugby," Wallabies coach Dave Rennie added. "He was great for the Rebels in Super Rugby this year, his physicality on both sides of the ball a real feature of his game. "His attitude has been impressive since coming into camp and he's putting in a lot of hard work with the group here in Queensland."
Leota and Kellaway are joined by rising star Josh Kemeny, who was named in the initial Wallabies squad, suffering an injury during Trans-Tasman.
Along with this, halfback Joe Powell and back-rower Richard Hardwick will remain at the club for the next two seasons.
Rounding out the re-signings is second-row Ross Haylett-Petty, who has extended his stay in Melbourne until the end of 2022.
The club has also confirmed a trio of signings to complement the impending arrival of Matt Philip, announcing Sevens’ star Joe Pincus, Reds scrumhalf Moses Sorovi, and number eight Tamati Ioane.
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Pincus follows in the footsteps of brother Tom, who recently announced his departure from the club.
“I’m really excited to turn the page and pursue this fantastic opportunity with the Rebels,” said Pincus.
“My brother Tom has told me about the program and the supportive culture the club has established, and that was really appealing.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to switch to XV’s and play Super Rugby and I couldn’t have found a better team or city to do it with – I can’t wait to rip in and play in Melbourne, the Sporting Capital of the World.”
Sorovi joins the Rebels after debuting for the Reds in 2017, having placed 36 games for the club.
Meanwhile, Ioane makes the journey south following a series of impressive performances for Canberra club Gungahlin after making the switch from rugby league.
