Rebels 10 Year Favorite XV - Captain

Yep were in lockdown in Melbourne and there's no local rugby, but we still got together this month for a chat and a bit of fun.

With so many positive responses from last months meeting, we carried on with the same theme - the Rebels 10 Year favorite XV. This time we asked a little more from the group, those nominating a candidate had to debate the merits of their nomination within a strict time limit of 60 seconds.

There was a strong field of contenders, with very compelling arguments given, but when it came to the voting there was overwhelming support for our winner, MARK ROWE! Although our Favorite XV has been a bit of fun for us - its great that we can give a shout out to one the Rebels hardest working and longest serving team members. Congratulations on your 150 game milestone Rowey. 

The vice captain winner may sound a bit controversial, but hey, remember this activity is for fun! Joint vice captains are Kurtley Beale | James O'Conner | Danny Cipriani. Their case was admirably argued by the elected Honorary Chairman of Selectors for the 10 Year Favorite XV - Hamish Bertram. 

Thanks to everyone who joined in and gave your communication skills a work out! 

Rebels 10 Year Favourite XV

As part of our last education and social get together the VRRA membership was invited to vote for their favourite All Time Rebels XV to join in the 10 year celebration of our local (and for some, favourite) Super team.

A comprehensive list was compiled that included every player to earn a cap for the team over the 10 years - 165 in total.

Like most elections with non compulsory voting, the  turnout was slightly disappointing. But as we all know, if you don't vote you forgo your right to complain about the outcome. i.e. don't blame us for the results if you didn't vote 😄

The final results were an interesting mix, with nostalgia appearing to play a factor in the forward pack, whilst the backline was dominated by current and more recent selections. Perhaps this says something about the recruitment strategies across the years with a focus put on the forward pack initially and a bit of a revolving door in the back line?

A number of players who won Wallaby caps missed out on making this auspicious team which was an interesting outcome.

Your VRRA Rebels 10 Year Favourite XV

1. Toby Smith

2. Shota Horie

3. Laurie Weeks

4. Adam Coleman

5. Luke Jones

6. Scott Higginbotham

7. Sean McMahon

8. Gareth Delve

9. Will Genia

10. Matt Toomua

11. Marika Koroibete

12. Stirling Mortlock

13. Tom English

14. Reece Hodge

15. Dane Haylett-Petty