The match, scheduled for Saturday 2 February, 2013, will be the first chance for Head Coach Damien Hill to see his new-look squad in action following the inclusion of up to 15 new players for the 2013 season.
“From a rugby point of view, it will be the first time we will be able to put our pre-season training into a match situation which will be vital to our preparations given the new faces in the squad,” said Hill.
“Taking on theWaratahsis the ideal test for us leading into the new season.
“From a promotional point of view we’re really looking forward to showcasing our game in a non-traditional rugby state, both in the build-up to the game and with the game itself.”
The RaboDirect Rebels will spend five days in Hobart preparing for the game, and work with the Tasmanian Rugby Union to promote rugby to the local community. The players and coaches will pass on their skills and expertise at community events throughout the week, including training sessions and formal functions.
General Manager, Commercial Operations Christine Finnegan is delighted to be able to bring world-class rugby to Tasmania.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to build our supporter base and showcase our great game to the sports-loving people of Tasmania,” said Finnegan.
“We’ll be in Hobart for five days and we can’t wait to help the Tasmanian Rugby Union by getting involved in the local community as much as we can.
“It’s going to be a fantastic contest against the Waratahs, a traditional heavyweight of Super Rugby, as both teams prepare for the 2013 season.”
The Rebels will take a squad featuring a number of world-class players to Hobart, including several current Qantas Wallabies.
North Hobart Director of New Media and Event Management, Mark Bacon, said North Hobart Football Club is thrilled to host a Rebels pre-season fixture at North Hobart Oval.
“North Hobart Football Club is an organisation that prides itself on being more than just a football club,” Mr Bacon said.
“We’re a community organisation that is over 131 years old, we have strong links to the Tasmanian community and a history of success both on and off the field.
“We expect this game to bring at least 10,000 people to North Hobart Oval to witness top quality Australian rugby, after all, the Rebels ply their trade in the best provincial rugby competition in the world.”
The RaboDirect Rebels will make announcements in the near future about their other pre-season trial fixtures.