Rebels look to kick-start rugby season

A NEW-look Byron Shire Rebels are gearing up for an important month of home games in the Far North Coast rugby union competition.

After a first-up 31-12 loss against defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville, the Rebels hosted Lismore City on Thursday night.

Its next round of home games will be played against the in-form Ballina on May 3 and Casino on May 24 at Schultz Oval, Bangalow.

The club has set the goal to engage with the community this year under a new management team and introduce new people to the sport.

The first-grade team has a fresh look under new coach Mick Muir, who has focused on junior development at the club.

“Over half our first-grade side are new combinations, so it’s a fresh-looking group still gelling,” Muir said.

“But there’s good energy, the boys have adapted well, and we’re building nicely. We’re excited to rip in at home.”

The Rebels formed in 2023 as a joint venture between the Byron Bay and Bangalow rugby union clubs.

Fullback Will Latham and second-rower Will Aisake are two of the more experienced players in the team, while English centre Myles Maclagan impressed on debut.

The club has an under-16s team that it hopes to develop into future senior players.

They are one of the only clubs fielding two senior men’s and a women’s team this year.

Second grade looks like it could be in for a big season after its first-up 31-24 win over defending premiers Wollongbar-Alstonville.

The team has plenty of experience with the likes of front-rower Brad Hill, flanker Luke Philip and second-rower Jock Craigie in the forward pack.