The Rebels look to have found Will Geni's replacement
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The Melbourne Rebels looked to have found a replacement for Wallabies scrumhalf Will Genia with the signing of highly-rated Fijian scrumhalf Frank Lomani.
Genia, who has played over 100 tests for the Wallabies, is yet to officially confirm where he is headed to next but did hint at a departure with this Instagram post after the Rebels final game of the season:
Frank Lomani has signed a two-year deal with the Melbourne Rebels that will see him through until at least the end of 2021.
The international halfback will be well known to Australian rugby fans after being crowned the 2018 NRC Player of the Year after guiding the Fijian Drua to last year’s title.
Lomani told The Fiji Sun that he turned down an offer to join English club Wasps in the Premiership, November last year but is now excited to be calling Melbourne home for the next few years.
“Signing with the Melbourne Rebels is a dream come true for me,” explained Lomani.
“I’ve played against many of these guys before, so to line up alongside them will be special.
“I’m so happy to be part of a squad with so much talent. I’m looking forward to developing my game in a world-class environment and picking up as much as I can from my new teammates.”
Lomani made his test debut against Samoa coming off the bench for Henry Seniloli and has already racked up 8 test caps and also featured in Fiji's victory over France in November. He also earned selection for the Barbarians last year against Argentina, is particularly attracted to the idea of testing himself in Super Rugby.
SIGNED, SEALED & DELIVERED
— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) June 28, 2019
Fiji international scrumhalf Frank Lomani will be calling Melbourne home from 2020 🌴
Read more here: https://t.co/H2d10Iq8G7 pic.twitter.com/yXpChWsZ3K
“To play alongside so many other internationals players and in the toughest Club competition in the world is quite exciting,” said Lomani.
Melbourne Rebels General Manager Professional Rugby and Pathways Nick Ryan was excited to have finally landed his man.
“Frank is a guy we’ve had our eye on for a while now, particularly after the way he dominated the NRC last season,” explained Ryan.
“We invited Frank down to Melbourne for a trial last season just to get a closer look at him. After seeing him on the field we were confident he would be a great addition to our squad.
“Spending so much time in the National squad has certainly fast tracked his development. There’s no doubt he will emerge as one of the bright stars at this year’s Rugby World Cup in Japan.
“Our coaching staff is excited to continue Frank’s development and we look forward to seeing what he will bring to the squad in 2020,” said Ryan.
