Melbourne Rebels bolster backline stocks by signing ex-England scrum-half
Jack Maunder in action for the Barbarians against the World XV at Twickenham.
The Rebels have announced their latest signing, with capped England scrum-half Jack Maunder the latest player to commit to the Melbourne-based Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
Maunder has joined the Rebels on a one-year contract and will provide valuable depth to their halfback stocks as he is set to join the experienced duo of James Tuttle and Ryan Louwrens as the club’s leading number nines.
The 26-year-old is on his way to the Melbourne-based outfit after making 149 appearances for Exeter Chiefs during a seven-year stint in the Premiership from 2016 to 2023.
England Test debut in 2017
After catching the eye during his second year with the Chiefs, Maunder made his England Test debut as a late replacement in 2017 during their clash against Argentina.
In 2020, Maunder wore the number nine jersey during Exeter’s impressive Premiership Final victory over Wasps, and he would also feature in their memorable European Champions Cup final triumph over Racing 92 that year.
Earlier this year, Wallabies head coach Eddie Jones would call up Maunder to start alongside former Rebels fly-half Quade Cooper during the Barbarians’ win over the World XV at Twickenham.
Maunder is keen to settle into his new surroundings and is looking forward to reuniting with Rebels assistant coach Geoff Parling, who was his team-mate at Exeter.
“When the opportunity came up to come to a different country and play in a competition I’ve watched since I was a kid, I was extremely grateful and couldn’t be more excited to learn and develop as much as I can for the Rebels,” Maunder told the Rebels’ official website.
“I played with Geoff Parling at Exeter, and he is someone I have always looked up to, so when Geoff and Kevin reached out and told me the aspirations that the club has, but also how great Melbourne is, I was immediately very excited to join.
“Super Rugby tests you in different ways and it’s played with a faster, more attacking style, so I’m looking forward to developing my game management and reading the game differently.
“I want to help and be a part of a successful Rebels team, which is stacked with talented, exciting players and great coaches and I really believe that the group can be successful next year.”
‘A wealth of experience’
Maunder is the latest international to sign with the Rebels after All Black Matt Proctor and the Wallabies trio Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Filipo Daugunu and Taniela Tupou also joined them earlier this year.
Melbourne Rebels general manager of rugby Nick Stiles said the club was excited to secure the services of the talented number nine.
“Jack’s signing is a strategic recruitment for our Club as we look to continue evolving our squad for season 2024,” said Stiles.
“Jack boasts a wealth of top level experience and comes from a successful rugby program that has tasted English Premiership success, so we’re really excited to welcome him to the Melbourne Rebels and have him be a part of what we’re building.”
“We believe Jack’s ability to control the tempo of a game, his sharp passes and long-range kicking abilities will compliment our playing model, as we look to take our fast, fearless and resolute approach to new heights in 2024.”
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