The Rebel Rugby program represents the development phases a player, coach, referee or volunteer can progress from grass roots community Rugby Union to the professional level within Victoria. It incorporates the coaching and playing pathways, through the clubs, schools and representative teams, which all filter into the RaboDirect Rebels – all serving to develop future talent for the professional program. The Rebel Rugby strategy includes the Rebel Rising team which is effectively the Rebels' A Team, the Wider Training Group include local and interstate based players who are potential RaboDirect Rebels, and the Rebel Rugby group that are the talented elite players in Victoria.

The goals of Rebel Rugby are to:

1. identify future Rebels within Victoria

2. provide a real pathway for aspiring players and volunteers

3. assist in growing the standard of the local competition

4. ingrain the Rebels Philosophy into the community

5. provide an education for our participants - on and off the field

Junior Gold Program: - Run by the ARU with Tyronne Mitchell as VRU liaison, this program gives the best players under 18 in Victoria and opportunity to attend ARU run camps interstate, where they get tested and coached with and by the best in Australia. It is a huge opportunity for our best players to be noticed on the National stage.

The Rebel Rising Team will be a mixture of the available contracted Rebels players, the Wider Training Group and the best players from the local club competition. 5 games have been scheduled for 2012, with the local players then filtering directly into the Victorian Senior State Team.

Rebel Rugby Group: - Targeted at potential U16 – U18 representative players, it is a year-long program run 3 times a week for up to 40 players. Participants are provided with training kit and are coached by the Rebel Rugby staff. The program has a focus on Strength and Conditioning, pre-habilitation, functional strength, recovery, nutrition, the Rebels playing style and the 5 Star Philosophy.

Apprentice Rebels: - The elite group of players that the Panel believe could play Super Rugby within the next 5 years. They will receive specific, individual rugby programs all year round. This will involve the Rebel Rugby staff working with their clubs and ensuring they are provided every opportunity to progress within the rugby pathway.

Wider Training Group: - The WTG is a selection of interstate players that are invited to train at various intervals with the team and learn the Rebels style of play and philosophy. Whilst these players have no obligation to the program or club, they will be provided an opportunity to press their claims for a Super Rugby contract, where ever that comes, through involvement in the Rebel Rugby program and potentially the Rebel B games program. The Wider Training Groups will be based in Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane.

In addition to these programs Rebel Rugby is pleased to announce the creation of a Half Back School, which will be run by Nick Ryan and Sam Cordingley. This school will focus on the technical aspects of passing and be run 3 times a year for one week blocks with selected players.