The Rebels have signed experienced scrumhalf Josh Holmes as an injury replacement for Nic Stirzaker, who suffered his second ankle injury of the season during the club’s 22-16 defeat to the Sharks in Round 12.
Holmes, the younger brother of foundation Rebel Luke, has no shortage of Super Rugby experience and brings with him a strong passing and running game.
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The 27-year-old played for the Western Sydney Rams in the now-defunct Australian Rugby Championship (ARC) in 2007, losing to Luke Burgess and the inaugural Melbourne Rebels in the Semi-Finals of that competition. He also made his Waratah debut in 2007, playing four games before moving to the Brumbies following the retirement of George Gregan.
Holmes played 26 games for the Brumbies before featuring on 16 occasions for the Waratahs during a second stint between 2010 and 2011. He then moved west to join the Force for the 2012 season, playing 10 matches for the ‘Sea of Blue’, as well as experiencing European rugby with the Bourgoin Club in France for a single season.
A prolific tryscorer who is also capable of playing inside centre, the 2006 IRB International U19 Player of the Year comes to Melbourne determined to make the most of another Super Rugby opportunity.
Rebels’ Rugby Operations Manager Baden Stephenson says the Club is fortunate to pick up such an experienced player midway through the season.
“Josh is well known in Australian rugby circles and his signing will add considerable experience and depth to the club in a key position,” Stephenson said.
“Josh has been in terrific form in the Shute Shield, he is hungry for an opportunity and we have confidence in his ability to step up at short notice.”
“As soon as we received the disappointing news regarding Nic’s injury, it was our intention to secure the best scrumhalf available in Australia and in signing Josh we have done exactly that. The club is looking forward to welcoming him to Melbourne, and potentially see him join his brother in wearing the five stars at AAMI Park.”