Lance, Rangi join long list of Rebels recruits

Sun, Nov 19, 2017, 2:31 AM
Sam Phillips
by Sam Phillips
Jono Lance has signed with the Rebels. Photo: Getty Images
Jono Lance has signed with the Rebels. Photo: Getty Images

The Rebels have filled a sizeable playmaking hole in signing former Force flyhalf Jono Lance, as well as promising hooker Anaru Rangi.

The pair are the latest additions to a squad that is getting more formidable by the day, bolstered by a host of Force stars following former coach Dave Wessels east.

Lance is currently plying his trade for Worcester Warriors, building on a 2017 where he took control of the Force attack.

This will be his fourth Super Rugby club, having got his big break with the Reds before stints with the Waratahs and Force.Lance has been running the show at Worcester for the last couple of months. Photo: Getty ImagesHe brings a wealth of experience in the playmaking department, which was one area where the Rebels appeared a tad bare for 2018.

Reece Hodge has been touted as a potential option at flyhalf but with Jack Debreczeni and Jackson Garden-Bachop departing the club, the flyhalf stocks would have only otherwise been filled by promising U20s flyhalf Jack McGregor.

Rangi, at 29, is relatively inexperienced but has shown over the past two years that he is a hooker with serious potential.

His physicality around the park catches the eye and his set piece work is efficient, making him a valuable addition to the squad.

He will have his work cut out for him, though, with Wallabies young gun Jordan Uelese and Rebels regular James Hanson presumably ahead of him in the pecking order.Anaru Rangi will bolster the Rebels pack. Photo: RUGBY.com.au/Stuart Walmsley“We’re pleased to have Jono and Anaru committed to us," Rebels General Manager Professional Rugby & Pathways Nick Ryan said.

“As a two-time Super Rugby champion, Jono has a deep understanding of successful high performance environments and will provide us with valuable experience and competition for a number of positions across our backline.

“We’ve seen Anaru grow as a player over the last couple of years through his consistent performance at both Super Rugby and the National Rugby Championship and believe he will add valuable depth to our forwards."

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