Anaru Rangi pens new Melbourne Rebels deal

David Skippers
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Anaru Rangi of the Rebels during the 2019 Super Rugby match between Lions and Rebels at the Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg on the 16 March 2019 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

The Melbourne Rebels have announced that hooker Anaru Rangi has signed a new contract which will keep him at the club until the end of 2021.

Rangi, who is the Rebels’ reigning Players’ Player award winner, has committed to staying in Melbourne for a further two years.

He has been a pivotal part of Melbourne’s 2019 campaign, having played in 12 out of 14 games, and starting in the number two jersey on 11 occasions.

The 30-year-old has also been a cornerstone in the Rebels much vaunted lineout, with Rangi contributing to the side’s 94 percent success rate for lineouts won.

Reflecting on his announcement on Tuesday, Rangi said he’s thrilled to continue to call Melbourne home, while also believing the Rebels are the perfect club to continue his rugby development.

“It’s a great program, it’s an awesome place to live as well in Melbourne,” he told the Rebels’ official website.

“The lads and the coaches are comfortable (to be around) and I couldn’t think of any better place to continue my rugby.”

A major factor in Rangi’s decision to stay also came down to the level of competition between the club’s four hookers.

With Wallaby-capped Jordan Uelese and experienced Super Rugby hookers in Hugh Roach and Robbie Abel all vying for Rangi’s starting role, the front-row said rather than shy away from the challenge, he feels the competition will help drive his own performance.

“It’s a place where I can develop my own game and the competition is great,” said Rangi.

“Once I go and try and get an easy position, the drive and competition sort of leaves me, so I’m really happy to be a part of it.”

Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson believes Rangi earning a two-year extension is a testament to the 30-year-old’s character and application to training and match days.

Stephenson highlighted Rangi as an incredibly hard worker, yet humble and caring person off the track, possessing characteristics which align with the Melbourne Rebels culture.

“Since arriving at the club at the back end of 2017, Anaru has embodied the very spirit and values of the Melbourne Rebels, highlighted by his recognition as our 2018 Player’s Player,” he said.

“Anaru has shown great durability over the last two seasons playing 28 Super Rugby games. ‘Bopper’ throws his body into everything on the training paddock and under the lights on match day but also cares very deeply about the people at the club.

“Anaru’s quiet and humble nature masks a determined spirit which has quickly endeared him to the Rebels playing group, staff, commercial partners and fan base.

“His selflessness, team first mentality and intensity align very closely to the evolving culture at the Melbourne Rebels.”

Melbourne Rebels