The Melbourne Rebels have today unveiled Ruan Smith and Cameron Orr as signings for the 2020 Super Rugby season.
The pair of props will add strength to the Club’s front row stocks as the Rebels push to claim their maiden Super Rugby finals appearance in 2020.
Reflecting on his decision to leave the Queensland Reds in favour of Melbourne, Smith had this to say:
“It’s the club where plenty of players have been given opportunities and that has clearly created a strong culture, that I want to be part of.
“I know playing finals is what all teams want to achieve and I feel the Rebels are on the right path to achieving their expectations and goals.
“The Melbourne Rebels put an emphasis on having a successful culture driven by coaches and players as well.
“I know it will be the perfect environment for me to perform my best with lots of competition in my position.
“I have had a for bit to do with Dave in the past and I know the calibre of coach he is and I’m extremely excited to learn from him and the rest of the coaching staff.
Just as excited to be plying his trade in front of the Stockade is former Australian schoolboy and u/20s representative Cameron Orr.
“It’s great to get my first crack at Super Rugby after having had a taste of professional rugby in the UK,” said Orr, who spent time with European power house Gloucester before more recently joining the Western Force.
“The Rebels have been making giant strides in the last two seasons and it’s exciting to be a part of that journey.
“I’m really looking forward to mixing it with the Melbourne guys and testing myself in a pack with so many Wallabies,” stated Orr.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby & Pathways Nick Ryan is confident the duo will add great value to the organisation.
“We’re very excited to sure up our front row stocks with Ruan and Cam joining the Rebels,” said Ryan.
“Ruan brings over 60 caps of Super Rugby experience and a professional work ethic that will suit our world class environment.
“Cam’s time in Europe will no doubt have elevated his forward play, particularly around set piece, so we’re excited to see him test himself now at Super Rugby level.
“Together, they offer us both experience and enthusiasm and will make our pack even hungrier as we chase our first finals appearance in 2020.”
