Matt To’omua re-signs with Australian rugby

Colin Newboult

Matt To’omua of the Rebels is congratulated by his teammates after scoring a try during the Round 5 Super Rugby match between the Melbourne Rebels and NSW Waratahs at AAMI Park in Melbourne, Friday, March 19, 2021. (AAP Image/Scott Barbour) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY ** STRICTLY EDITORIAL USE ONLY, NO COMMERCIAL USE, NO BOOKS **

Rebels captain and Wallabies playmaker Matt To’omua has recommitted to the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia until the end of 2023.

To’omua’s signing comes as a great boost for the Rebels on the eve of the Trans-Tasman tournament and their first game against the Blues at AAMI Park on Saturday.

To’omua has been in commanding form with the boot during Super Rugby AU, finishing as equal highest points scorer alongside James O’Connor from the Reds.

The 31-year-old was elevated to Rebels captain for the 2021 season to cover the injured Dane Haylett-Petty and will continue that role for the upcoming Trans-Tasman series.

Five-year stint

Melbourne born, To’omua’s extension until the end of the 2023 season will see him notch up five years for the Rebels and potentially surpass 50 matches for the franchise.

The milestone is much closer in his Wallabies career with the playmaker having represented his country 47 times to date, and will be hoping to extend this number later this year.

To’omua, who is also currently the president of Rugby Union Players Union, is a huge signing for the Rebels both on and off the field, according to CEO Baden Stephenson.

“Matt is an enormous part of our club and culture here at the Rebels. He has done a fantastic job as captain this season and we are delighted to have him on board for a further two years,” Stephenson said.

“He’s a leader at the Rebels across all areas of our club and him re-committing shows great faith in our rugby program and the great group of players we have both now, and lined up for next year.”

To’omua added: “I’m really excited to recommit to the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia. We are building something special at the Rebels and it is great to be a part of it alongside the rest of the team.

“Like our fans, I was disappointed with how we finished up in the Super Rugby AU season and we are keen to come out really strong this Saturday against the Blues and play to our potential.

“It’s been great to see the resurgence of rugby in Australia this year, with fantastic support for the new Super Rugby AU competition.

“Having spent some time in the Wallabies camp a few weeks back, I could sense a real sense of excitement from everyone involved and I’m looking forward to the upcoming Test matches later this year.”