Andrew Kellaway: Wallaby flyer signs new deal with Rebels and Rugby Australia

Dylan Coetzee 10 Mar 2022 5:25 AM

Andrew Kellaway of the Rebels is tackled during the Round 1 Super Rugby match between the ACT Brumbies and the Melbourne Rebels at GIO Stadium in Canberra, Saturday, July 4, 2020. (AAP Image/Mark Nolan) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Wallaby star Andrew Kellaway has put pen to paper with the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia, keeping him in the country until the end of 2024.

After joining the Rebels in 2020, Kellaway has played 18 matches over two years at the club, scoring eight tries.

Following a season in Japan, Kellaway made a fast start upon his return to Melbourne, playing in the Rebels’ final four matches of the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman campaign, with his impressive form leading to selection in Dave Rennie’s opening Wallabies squad for 2021 international season.

Burst onto the Test scene

Long touted as a future Wallabies’ star, Kellaway made an immediate impact in the green and gold, playing 14 of a possible 15 Test matches, scoring nine tries and finishing as the leading try scorer in the Rugby Championship.

Such was his arrival on the international scene, Kellaway later became the second Melbourne Rebel to win the coveted Wallabies’ Rookie of the Year award.

The 26-year-old said he was thrilled to be able to call Melbourne home and is excited for the future ahead.

“It was an easy decision to stay in Melbourne and continue representing this great club,” said Kellaway.

“It’s been a whirlwind ten months for me personally, and I’m extremely grateful for the opportunity the Rebels gave me to return to Super Rugby last season and really excited about what we can achieve together in the future.

“I feel like Melbourne is home for me now and I can’t thank the players, staff and supporters for welcoming me back with open arms. I’m looking forward to adding as much value as I can both on and off the field over the next three years.

“The same can be said for what’s happening with the Wallabies under Dave Rennie. I really enjoyed my opening season of Test rugby and I’m really motivated to build on that experience and keep growing as a player, particularly with a Rugby World Cup on the horizon.”

Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson was delighted by Kellaway’s re-commitment to the club.

“We’re ecstatic to have Andrew re-sign with the Rebels following his breakout international season with the Wallabies,” Stephenson said.

“Andrew is a high character individual, and a highly skilled player with international experience, so his commitment is a great reflection on our Club and the special culture we’re creating and the exciting young talent we have coming through.”

Australia