Rebels re-sign Jordan Uelese until 2020

Hooker Jordan Uelese has committed to Australian Rugby ahead of the 2019 Rugby World Cup after the rising star was recognized for his breakout year with a new Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia contract.

The contract extension with the Rebels until the end of 2020 caps off a remarkable year for the 20-year-old home-grown talent who shot into Australia’s World Cup calculations with his performances in 2017.

“We’re thrilled that Jordan has recommitted to the Melbourne Rebels and we’re incredibly proud of his achievement as the first home-grown player to progress through every level of the Rebels pathway to debut for the Wallabies,” Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said.

“We’re determined to build a Melbourne Rebels franchise around long-term key players and we see Jordan as one of those core players who will significantly contribute to the future success of this club on and off the field.

“Jordan’s an example of what can be achieved and, despite his young age, is a role model to his teammates and the Victorian Rugby community.”

Uelese established himself as one of the most promising forwards in Australian rugby following his Super Rugby and Wallabies debuts, and represented Australia at the World Rugby U20s Championship in Georgia.

Uelese made three Super Rugby appearances this year after his debut off the bench against the Blues in the opening round of the 2017 season at AAMI Park.