Placid signs Rebels extension
20-year-old Placid, who was the youngest member of the Rebels’ squad in 2015, moved to Melbourne twelve months ago and made two Super Rugby appearances for the Rebels in his maiden campaign, scoring a try on his Rebels debut as he started against the Lions at AAMI Park.
He also played seven times for the Melbourne Rising in the 2014 National Rugby Championship (NRC) and starred for Australia at the World Rugby Under-20 Championships in Italy, scoring five tries and being short listed as one of four nominees for the World U20 Player of the Year award.
"I was very keen to extend my contract at the Rebels," Placid said.
"I’ve loved it down here in Melbourne since my very first week this time last year, and I’m pleased to stay and continue to develop within a team that is building a strong culture on and off the field.
"I’ve made some really close friends already, particularly among my fellow first and second year players ,and I’m also very fortunate to have a number of role models and people I look up to here in Melbourne at the Rebels, including Mitch Inman and Scott Fuglistaller.
"Mitch and Scott are two very different blokes who have had a great influence on me – Mitch has really tucked me under his wing on the field, while Scott is just a great all-round leader who I look up to a lot in everything he does."
Placid’s season was interrupted by a mid-season groin setback, however he successfully returned to fitness via the Dewar Shield, where he represented Grand Finalists Melbourne University, before heading to Italy for the World Rugby U20 Championships.
All in all it was a strong first campaign in Melbourne for Placid, and Rebels’ head coach Tony McGahan said Placid’s commitment to improve and dedication to his craft are exciting signs for the franchise.
"Jonah’s first year at the Rebels has been an important learning experience," McGahan said.
"He has learnt a lot about the work that is required to play Super Rugby successfully, and how to apply that across all elements of his personal preparation.
"We love what he can bring to us as an individual player, and what he adds to the off field experience here in Melbourne. Jonah wants to continue to get better and realise his potential, and that’s the type of player we want to ensure we keep here at the Rebels.
"We’re all very much looking forward to his continued progression and watching him continue to mature as a player and a person, right here in Melbourne."
