Super Rugby Pacific: Alex Mafi trades Reds for Rebels

Dylan Coetzee

Alex Mafi is seen during a Queensland Reds training session at Ballymore in Brisbane, Tuesday, May 14, 2019. The Reds are preparing for their Super Rugby match against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday at Suncorp Stadium. (AAP Image/Darren England)

The Melbourne Rebels have announced the signing of Alex Mafi from the Reds ahead of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific campaign.

The hooker has come through the Queensland development system playing for Bond University and Queensland Country before making 62 appearances for the Reds.

Developing side

Improvement in the performances from the Rebels towards the backend of the regular season convinced Mafi that it was the right move to trade Brisbane for Melbourne.

“One of the driving factors of signing with the Rebels was seeing an improvement in the performances towards the backend of the season,” he said.

“These performances showed there’s a heap of character in the squad and that the group is well connected to show a willingness to learn, improve and fight.

“This coupled with some exciting additions to the current squad, such as Sam Talakai, gave me a sense that something is brewing down south and that it would be a great opportunity for me to have a change of scenery and add to what is building at the Rebels.

“I was also a big fan from afar of the efforts and emphasis the Rebels showed in recognising the Pasifika culture on and off the field.

“The Pasifika jersey looked unreal this year. I also saw the photos from the Club’s post-match ceremony in the change-room, and to see Kevin Foote attempting the Samoan Siva was not just funny, but awesome to see the Pasifika culture being embraced.

“Looking ahead to next year, I’ll be aiming to bring a point of difference to our team’s attack and provide the backs with a platform to launch off the set-piece. I can’t wait.”

Rebels head coach Kevin Foote is thrilled with the acquisition and expects “enormous” growth from the 25-year-old.

“We’re very excited to have Alex join the Rebels,” said Foote.

“Alex is a gifted player with a wealth of Super Rugby experience, who at just twenty-five, still has an enormous amount of growth in his game, so we’re thrilled that’s going to be at the Melbourne Rebels.

“He’s another high-character person whom we believe will add a lot of value to our Club on and off the field for years to come, so that’s really exciting for our fans.”

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