The Melbourne Rebels have locked down another local product with prop Pone Fa'amausili re-signing with the club until the end of 2023.
Fa'amausili was one of four Rebels selected as part of Dave Rennie's 35-player squad for next month's England series.
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The 25-year-old rose through the ranks via Melbourne Rising in the NRC before making his Rebels debut in 2018.
The Moorabbin product believes this decision to stay home was an easy one, excited about inspiring the next generation of Victorian players.
“The opportunity to do what I love in my home city, to go to work with my best mates and play in front of my family, made staying at the Rebels an easy decision,” Fa’amausili said in a statement.
“The Melbourne Rebels gave me the chance to live out my dream, so I’m determined to give back and repay the coaches and staff who have put so much time and effort into my development as both a player and person.
“I’m excited by the culture we’re growing and really believe we’re building something special here at the Rebels.
“To see more born and bred Victorians come through the ranks has been awesome, and something myself and a few of the other boys are really proud of and passionate about helping with in the future.
“I’m excited to continue being around our community and seeing the next generation grow from strength to strength.”
The deal comes just a week after fellow Melbourne-bred front-rower Jordan Uelese inked a new deal.
“It’s great to have a talent like Pone re-sign with the Rebels,” Rebels GM of Rugby Nick Stiles added.
“Pone worked really hard to get back on the field this year and when he achieved that, performed really strongly for us with his physicality, his carry and intensity at the set-piece.
“It’s really important to keep our young and hungry talent here at the Rebels, especially when they’re homegrown, so it’s exciting to have someone so engaged with the Victorian grassroots, re-commit and stay on with our Club.”
