The Melbourne Rebels have continued to lock down their roster for 2023 and beyond, re-signing Wallaby Jordan Uelese.
It comes after the club confirmed Carter Gordon will remain in the Stockdale until 2024, joining the likes of Cabous Eloff, James Tuttle and Brad Wilkin in re-committing over the past month.
The hooker has come through the Victorian system to become the third home-grown Rebel in club history, making his debut in 2017.
He experienced a breakout year, instantly thrust into the national set-up as he made his debut against South Africa.
The 25-year-old has played 15 games for the Wallabies, including coming off the bench in the 2019 Rugby World Cup quarter-final against England, excited about the chance to add further caps.
“Home is where the heart is, so to be able to do what I love here in my home city with my best mates is a blessing,” said Uelese in a statement.
“As a kid, I always dreamt of playing for the Rebels, so to be able to play and wear that jersey is a huge honour and I’m keen to keep putting my hand up to go to battle for this Club.
“I can see our Club going to another level next year and I want to be around to help build some success and push for a finals berth.
“To see more Victorian-bred players is awesome and I know with the talent here there will be many more which makes me so proud, and I want to be around to help see them grow and achieve the dreams that I have.”
Rebels GM of Rugby Nick Stiles was equally as excited to return Uelese, believing he is the perfect role model for the next generation of Victorian-born and bred players.
“Jordan’s contract extension is great news for the Melbourne Rebels and our Victorian Rugby community,” Stiles added.
“Jordan’s growth as both a player and person has been a pleasure to watch and the impact he makes off the field, mentoring our next generation and helping build up our pathway players, is really important to what we’re trying to achieve as an organisation.
“We’re extremely proud of our homegrown players, so to retain them, and to continue to see them grow as players wearing a Rebels’ jersey, it’s great news for our Club.”
