Junior Gold Cup success shows Victorian rugby union is on the rise

THE surging health of Victorian rugby will not only be measured by the Rebels, as two of the state’s junior teams bid for national glory this weekend.

Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan could soon have some more local talent to call upon,

THE surging health of Victorian rugby will not only be measured by the Melbourne Rebels against the Highlanders as two of the state’s junior teams bid for national glory this weekend.

The Rebels’ under-15 and under-17s teams marched undefeated through five pool matches in the Junior Gold Cup in a sign of unmistakable growth outside of traditional rugby heartlands.

Rebels’ CEO Rob Clarke said the achievements of both teams was due to several influential figures within the Victorian rugby community.

“Since the Rebels’ inaugural Super Rugby season in 2011, we have seen steady growth and understanding of the game across the state,” Clarke said.

“With the National Rugby Championship and Junior Gold Cup both being introduced for the first time in 2014, there is now a genuine elite pathway or “Road to Rebels” for Victorian kids.

“No longer will they have to leave the state to chase their professional rugby dreams, and we would love to see members of these Junior Gold Cup sides and our 2014 Rebels under-20s go on and represent the club.

“We have always said that we will never grant a Victorian a place as a token gesture, but we genuinely believe that the talent coming through will one day represent the Rebels as reflections of their hard work.

“Whilst the financial challenges facing both the Rebels and Australian Rugby Union have been well documented in recent times, this success shows the necessity in persevering with rugby in Victoria, and the importance Melbourne plays in helping rugby sustain a strong national presence.”

Clarke acknowledged coaches Greg Coward (u-15) and Simon Strachan (u-17), as well as team manager Mick Stevens, a long-time servant to Victorian rugby and the Southern Districts Rugby Club.

Australian Rugby Union general manager (development pathways) Ben Whitaker praised the success of Victorian teams.

“It’s very exciting to see Victoria have teams in both of the 15s and 17s,” he said.

“It’s a huge credit to the work of the Melbourne Rebels union, as it is to the work of all state unions in supporting and preparing teams for the competition finals.

“The standards of the Junior Gold Cup this year have been exceptional and we are looking forward to this competition attracting and developing the next generation of future Wallabies and Sevens players for many years ahead.”

The Rebels under-17s will face Western Australia, while the 15s will face Brisbane Purple.

Melbourne Rebels elite pathways manager, Matt Tink is ecstatic with the performance of the two Victorian teams.

“We are very happy with how both of our age groups have gone in the Junior Gold Cup. We’ve been working hard for months now, so it is really great to see two grand final appearances,” he said.

“We had some difficult games on the road due to the nature of the competition, but to make it to the grand final is a credit to our players and coaches.

“With any luck, both Junior Gold Cup trophies will make their way to Melbourne.

“We were fortunate to have a dedicated group of volunteers help our team including strength and conditioning, coaches, physios and managers.”

The 17s will play WA at AWT McGillivray Oval in Perth on Saturday, while the 15s will travel to Suncorp Stadium to face Queensland opposition as a curtain-raiser to the Reds and Western Force.