La Trobe University Signs Five-Year Deal With Rebels

La Trobe University has committed to a five-year partnership with the Melbourne Rebels, becoming the back of jersey partner and official higher education partner of the club.

The partnership will now see the University’s brand feature across the complete elite Victorian Rugby pathway, including Under 18s; National Rugby Championship; Super-W; and Super Rugby teams.

“La Trobe University are a very important strategic partner for the Rebels. Internally we constantly speak about how we can improve all aspects of our organisation and performance, and our La Trobe University partnership also ensures that higher education remains a focus for our current and emerging playing groups,”  Melbourne Rebels CEO, Baden Stephenson said.

“We are on a rapid growth cycle as an organisation and we are fortunate to share our journey with La Trobe University and engage their students and staff, who are all eager to be fully integrated into our operations, and gain some real, practical experience which helps their own development and career trajectories.”

La Trobe University Vice-Chancellor Professor, John Dewar, said the partnership enriches the experience of La Trobe University students by giving them practical industry experience that supplements theoretical learning.

“I’m excited that there will be increased internship opportunities for La Trobe students to develop their skills and industry experience by being involved across all Melbourne Rebels’ operations,” Professor Dewar said.

“By giving students opportunities to undertake internships during their degree, our partnership with the Rebels provides our students with the chance to develop attributes and skills that will give them the best possible start to a career in the sports industry.”

The internships will support students in a range of disciplines, including sports management; sport and exercise science; journalism; and nutrition, operated under the guidance of both La Trobe and Rebels staff.