The RaboDirect Rebels are pleased to announce it has signed James O’Connor on a 2 year contract.
Rebels Chief Operating Officer Steve Boland said today that the acquisition of O’Connor was another important step for the club.
“James is one of the most promising talents in world rugby and we are delighted that he is joining the RaboDirect Rebels.
James’ ambitions are very much in line with ours at the Rebels. We are in the process of building a culture that will help us achieve our goals both on and off the field. Already our players are working well with the local community and developing their off field skills and helping us grow the game in Victoria. We don’t just want good rugby players, but also individuals who are willing to challenge themselves. Balance in life is an important part of our club," Boland said.
In other news, the RaboDirect Rebels have also announced the signing of centre Mitch Inman on a 2 year contract.
Inman debuted for the Western Force in 2010 and managed to play every game last season.
Incoming Rebels Head Coach Damien Hill coached Inman during his time at Sydney University and says that the former Australian Under 19’s representative will be an important addition to next year’s squad.
“Mitch is an exciting young talent; big, strong and athletic. He will bring plenty of enthusiasm to the group and we look forward to him contributing to the team. We believe that Mitch has a very promising career ahead of him and we are very excited that he has decided to join the Rebels,” Hill said.
Meanwhile, the Rebels have also re-signed hooker Ged Robinson for a further 2 years.
Robinson was recruited from the Wellington Lions and has been amongst the Rebels most impressive players in the clubs inaugural season.
After a breakthrough year in 2008, Robinson received a call up for the Junior All Blacks side and made his Super Rugby debut for the Hurricanes the following year.
Robinson played every game for the Rebels in 2011 and scored his first Super Rugby try against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.
Chief Operating Officer Steve Boland said today that Robinsons re-signing was as significant as any of the clubs recent announcements.
“With a lot of hard work and a steely determination to succeed, Ged has become one of the clubs most consistent performers this season. He has not only been a tremendous asset on the field, but has also been a big contributor to the local community of Melbourne. Given everything that Ged has bought to the club, we were very keen to secure his services and we are thrilled that he has decided that his future lies here in Melbourne. He is a quality person and a great clubman, Ged embodies many of the qualities that we are building into our culture here at the Rebels,” Boland said.