Source: https://www.melbournerebels.com/news/2019/10/09/rebels-snare-kemeny
The Melbourne Rebels have snared boom backrower Josh Kemeny on a deal that will see him in Melbourne for at least the next three seasons.
The 20-year-old wunderkind was one of the most sought after unsigned loose forwards in Australia before putting pen to paper today and opting to call Melbourne home.
“It’s an awesome feeling to be able to sign my first professional Super Rugby contract,” admitted Kemeny.
“I took a tour of the club before making my decision and I got to know Dave (Wessels), the staff and the players well and I was left feeling really impressed by the culture the club has.
Kemeny, who has featured in the Australian u20s program alongside Rebels Trevor Hosea, Esei Ha’angana and Semesi Tupou, caps off a remarkable season after guiding Sydney University to a Shute Shield title this season.
“The Rebels program has proven to be successful in developing players.
“The backrow in particular has got three capped Wallabies in Luke Jones, Richard Hardwick and Isi Naisarani so the environment will be highly competitive and help drive my game to another level.”
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby and Pathways Nick Ryan was happy to see Kemeny locked up.
“Josh was identified at a young age as a player who had the potential to transition into Super Rugby,” said Ryan.
“What’s been most pleasing is seeing how hard he has worked to turn that potential into a reality.
“Stepping up into grade age rugby hasn’t phased him and at just twenty, he really has time on his side to mature into a dominant backrow player.”
“We’re excited to see him contest for spots in our backrow and heighten the level of competition we’re developing in our squad,” stated Ryan.