The Melbourne Rebels have named their 2012 Super Rugby squad and have already started training as they seek to improve on their Wooden Spoon finish in their first season this year.
The Rebels have made a couple of high profile signings in the off-season, and they will be hoping that the additions to their squad will provide the necessary boost.
Head coach, Damien Hill, said that he was looking forward to guiding the new squad into the 2012 Super Rugby season.
"Our aim is to continue to build a list that is competitive for this season and the years to follow.
"Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor are two of the game's most exciting young talents. Their decision to sign with the Rebels reaffirms that Melbourne and the club, has a program that is attractive to players of this calibre.
"We also see new additions Paul Alo-Emile, Mitch Inman and James King as players for the future, while strong running centre Lloyd Johansson is our first Victorian born Rebel. Lloyd brings with him Super Rugby and Wallaby experience, and we hope that Lloyd will forge a path for future Victorian born Rebels," he added.
Three of the five players in the extended playing squad are new signings, and Hill is hopeful that they will provide the necessary depth to help make the Rebels competitive next season.
He said: "Our EPS signings also give us a solid mix of youth and experience. Isaiah Mosese, Nick Stirzaker and Cadeyrn Neville are all under 22 years of age, while Luke Holmes and Eddie Aholelei are ready made tight 5 players.
"Overall we are pleased with the our list for 2012, we believe we have recruited well and have a solid platform to build on," he added.
Melbourne Rebels 2012 playing squad: Paul Alo-Emile, Kurtley Beale, Rodney Blake, Adam Byrnes, Alister Campbell, Danny Cipriani, Tom Chamberlain, Tim Davidson, Gareth Delve, Adam Freier, Mark Gerrard, Nic Henderson, James Hilgendorf, Julian Huxley, Mitch Inman, Lloyd Johansson, Luke Jones, James King, Richard Kingi, Michael Lipman, Lachlan Mitchell, Stirling Mortlock, James O'Connor, Nick Phipps, Hugh Pyle, Ged Robinson, Jarrod Saffy, Heath Tessmann, Cooper Vuna, Laurie Weeks.
Extended playing squad: Eddie Aholelei, Luke Holmes, Isaiah Mosese, Cadeyrn Neville, Nick Stirzaker.
Gilbert has released a new line of rugby cleats. The Gilbert Virtuo 8S is part of the exciting new product. Check it out.
The entire All Blacks apparel line has been updated for 2013/14. Check out the New Zealand All Blacks polo.
The Nike Tiempo is a solid rugby cleat and one of few styles still made from full-grain natural leather.
The Gilbert Blitz 8S rugby cleat is a great cleat at a great price of $69.99. Get a new pair of cleats today.
A cool looking all black rugby cleat with the high performance adidas is known for. Get in the Gear!
Wear the crest of the British and Irish Lions on your t-shirt. A great look for the summer.
$29.99
The All Blacks Performance t-shirt is black with hints of blue from the training jersey. Very Cool.
The New Zealand All Blacks training jersey for 2013/14. Get in the Gear!
The USA Rugby Pro Alternate rugby jersey is perfect for any fan of the Eagles. Get yours to wear during the summer Test matches.
The NEW All Blacks 2013/14 jersey has arrived at World Rugby Shop. Dare to wear the colors of the All Blacks.
