Italian speedster Monty Ioane has signed for the Melbourne Rebels ahead of the 2022/23 Super Rugby Pacific season.
Ioane, born in Australia, announced his return to his home country after agreeing to mutually terminate his contract with United Rugby Championship club Benetton due to mental health issues earlier this month.
Full circle
The elusive runner has represented Italy on 14 occasions during his time in Europe but is happy to return to Melbourne, where his love for rugby was born.
“Growing up in a strong rugby family, Melbourne was where my love for the game first began,” said Ioane.
“It’s honestly a dream to return back home and represent my city at the highest level now. I never thought the opportunity would arise but here I am today and it’s one of the most exciting moments of my playing career. I can’t wait for the opportunity to push my case and run out onto AAMI Park wearing a Rebels jersey.”
Ioane was impressed with how the pathways in Melbourne have developed since he played junior rugby in the region years ago and is looking forward to representing them on the field.
“Looking back on my time in juniors, I’ve had some great memories playing for Endeavour Hills, especially from under-12’s when I was captain and we ended up winning the grand final against Northcote,” he explained.
“When I started my junior rugby here, it was tough, but looking forward to where Melbourne has come with rugby now and the pathways available, it’s honestly incredible.
“Having homegrown players playing for the Rebels is special and as a Victorian, I have great pride seeing the opportunities created for the kids, that next generation, and giving them something to dream of and pursue.”
Exciting times
Rebels general manager of rugby Nick Stiles echoed Ioane’s sentiment and is looking forward to seeing the local star run out in Rebels colours.
“It’s great to have such a quality talent, and person like Monty join the Melbourne Rebels,” Stiles said.
“After growing up playing in the Victorian rugby community, it’s been fantastic to see Monty’s pride in the growth of rugby in our state and the opportunities that are now available for young, hungry, and talented Victorian players.
“Monty will obviously be a valuable addition on the field, but off it, he’ll bring great value mentoring our next generation of Victorian Rebels and showing them what it takes to develop into a successful Test player.
“It’s a really exciting time for Victorian rugby. We’ve just had the senior and junior grand finals, Melbourne’s hosting a Bledisloe match for the first time since 2010 with five Rebels pushing for selection and next week, we’ll be hosting the inaugural Victorian Cup Series which will see our state’s best club players receiving the opportunity to test themselves against Super Rugby competition and compete for a spot on the Rebels tour of Japan.”
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