The Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Women’s squad will officially launch their 2024 campaign this weekend, with a Round 1 hit out against the Western Force in Perth.
Following back-to-back trial games against Super Rugby Women opposition, that saw hard fought match ups against the Reds in Geelong and the Western Force in Moorabbin.
Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby Women’s Head Coach, Jason Rogers, has named a team with new combinations aimed to maximise the starting team and play attacking rugby, after a dedicated and thorough preseason in Melbourne.
“A number of our players are debuting for the Rebels, the first time running out together as a Super Rugby team, representing themselves, their families and each other,” said Rogers.
The Rebels have named a front row led by Laiema Bosenavulagi, Jayme Nuku and Anastasia Mamea, while the experienced Easter Savelio will partner with Tiarah Minns in the second row.
Vice-Captain Melanie Kawa starts on the blindside, returning to the squad in 2024, with the stalwart of Rebels Rugby leading the pack, alongside back row debutants Sui Pauaraisa and Grace Hamilton.
Lucy Brown starts at scrumhalf with Cassie Siataga locking down the 10 jersey after two solid showings during the preseason trials.
Teuila Pritchard and Harmony Vatau will bring pace to the wings alongside the secure Chanelle Kohika-Skipper at full back.
Captain and proud Victorian Ash Marsters will lead the team at outside centre showing her experience and versatility with the hard running Crystal Mayes joining her in the midfield.
Mary Tuaana, Jiowana Sauto and Paula Ioane complete the reserve front row contingent, with Sydney Niupulusu and Hollie Twidale complete the remaining forward reserves.
Sarah Hogan, Grace Freeman and Tamsin Barber round out the Match Day 23 for the Super Rugby Women’s opener.
The Melbourne Rebels face the Western Force in Round 1 of the 2024 Super Rugby Women’s season, kicking off at 7:30PM AEDT / 5:05 PM local time, Friday, March 15 at HBF Park.
The match will be shown ad-free, live and on-demand on Stan Sport.
1. Laiema Bosenvulagi
2. Jayme Nuku *
3. Anastasia Mamea *
4. Easter Savelio
5. Tiarah Minns
6. Melanie Kawa (vc)
7. Sui Pauaraisa *
8. Grace Hamilton *
9. Lucy Brown *
10. Cassie Siataga *
11. Teuila Pritchard *
12. Crystal Mayes *
13. Ashley Marsters (c)
14. Harmony Vatau
15. Chanelle Kohika-Skipper
16. Mary Tuaana *
17. Jiowana Sauto
18. Paula Ioane
19. Sydney Niupulusu
20. Hollie Twidale *
21. Sarah Hogan
22. Grace Freeman *
23. Tamsin Barber *
*Denotes Rebels Debut
