The Melbourne Rebels have allocated every contracted player to a local Victorian club for of the 2016 season in the hope of strengthening the link between the Dewar Shield competition and the Super Rugby franchise.

The players roles will vary and include both on and off field commitments throughout the season.

“The Dewar Shield teams are really keen to build on the existing strong foundations, alignment and engagement with the Rebels so there are some exciting times ahead,” Rebels Operations manager Baden Stephenson said.

Representatives from all nine Dewar Shield clubs were invited to spend the morning with Rebels players and coaching staff at IKON Park earlier this week, joining the squad in a team meeting and training session.

“It’s extremely important to have this strong connection as the professional game can’t succeed without that community base,” Stephenson said.

“We’ve got some great junior clubs and Dewar Shield clubs in Melbourne that are vital for growing the code and Melbourne Rebels base.

“We want everyone in Melbourne to feel passionately that the Rebels are their Super Rugby team.”

Rebels flanker Jordy Reid has been a regular member of the Melbourne Unicorns for the last two seasons.

The fan favourite said the relationship between the Rebels and local clubs was important to the success of rugby in Melbourne.

“It’s great to have an affiliation with a local club,” Reid said. “I think that relationship is super important.”

“I’ve played my fair share of games in the Dewar Shield so I love getting back to club land and getting amongst all the guys who love playing for the fun of it and those trying to make it to the next level.

“Trying to bridge the gap and get familiar with the club players and the player in around the club is good for us and good for them as well.”

The Rebels already have two home-grown players (Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota) in their squad and are eager to sign more local talent.

“We’ve just signed our first two local contracted players and we want more home grown talent to be future Rebels,” Stephenson said.

“It’s really important that the clubs and players feel there’s a pathway for success and opportunities here in Melbourne.”

Dewar Shield Club Ambassadors

Ben Meehan – Box Hill

Pat Leafa- Box Hill

Sefa Naivalu – Box Hill

Jamie Hagan – Box Hill

Tom English – Melbourne University

Dom Shipperley – Melbourne University

Sam Jefferies – Melbourne University

Jonah Placid – Melbourne University

Rob Leota – Melbourne University

Nic Stirzaker – Endeavour Hills

Jack Debrezceni – Endeavour Hills

Sean McMahon – Endeavour Hills

Siliva Siliva – Endeavour Hills

Toby Smith – Endeavour Hills

Dan Hawkins – Power House

Ryan Cocker – Power House

Harley Fox – Power House

Adam Thomson – Power House

Scott Fuglistaller – Moorabbin

Luke Jones – Moorabbin

Tamati Ellison – Moorabbin

Tim Metcher – Moorabbin

Laurie Weeks – Southern Districts

Mitch Inman – Southern Districts

Mike Harris – Southern Districts

Sione Tuipulotu – Southern Districts

Jordy Reid- Melbourne Unicorns

Mick Snowden – Melbourne Unicorns

Reece Hodge – Melbourne Unicorns

Cam Crawford – Melbourne Unicorns

Cullum Retallick – Footscray

Lopeti Timani – Footscray

Cruz Ah Nau – Footscray

Colby Faingaa – Footscray

Paul Asquith – Harlequin

Tom Moloney – Harlequin

Steve Cummins – Harlequin

James Hanson – Harlequin