Rebels sign Brumbies loose forward

The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed their first signing of the off-season, welcoming former ACT Brumbies backrower, Isi Naisarani to club for the 2019 season.

 
The 23-year-old arrives in Melbourne following a hugely impressive National Rugby Championship campaign for Brisbane City in 2016, that led to a breakout debut Super Rugby year for the Western Force.
 

He would be awarded the Nathan Sharpe Medal as the Force’s best-and-fairest player in 2017, before crossing to the Brumbies for the 2018 Super Rugby season.

 
One of Australian rugby’s brightest prospects, the Fijian-born back-rower, who will become eligible for Wallabies selection in April.

 
Melbourne Rebels Head Coach, Dave Wessels said he was excited to link back up with Naisarani.
 
“We’re very pleased to welcome Isi to Melbourne and it’s a testament to the high performance program we’re creating here at the Rebels to attract a player of Isi’s quality,” Wessels said.
 
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to work with Isi again.

“He made a real impression straight away at the Western Force in his first year of Super Rugby, which is no easy feat to step straight into one of the toughest provincial rugby competitions in the world.
 
“Isi brings professionalism and work ethic on and off-the-track to everything he does.
 
“He adds a real touch of X-factor and versatility in the backrow and we think he’ll compliment the strength of our forward pack.”