As the festive season approaches, the MURFC committee thought it was timely to highlight a number of exciting developments which have been happening over the last few months. These include:

LIONS Strength and Conditioning

The introduction of the LIONS Strength and Conditioning programIn order to further develop the fine pool of players who played Pillar rugby in 2007 (including at least 8 colts) the club has enacted an off-season strength and conditioning program with a qualified personal trainer - Eiko Anderson. About 25 boys have been hitting the weights at least once a week to develop a stronger base for the commencement of the2008 season.

Recently Stu Livingstone, S & C trainer for the Melbourne Rebels has joined Eiko to incorporate rugby specific S & C training. Stu, who is originally from Canberra and a ACT representative has spent the last three years with the Queensland Reds side. He has permanently re-located to Melbourne and has been appointed S & C coach for the
Carlton Football side. Stu will also be working with MURFC in 2008.

New faces to MURFC

A few new faces have been participating in the LIONS strength and conditioning off-season program.

Matt Cockbain
These include Melbourne Rebel and Wallaby legend Matt Cockbain who has joined the group. Matt played 63 tests for Australia from 1997-2003. This included two World Cups and he was in the shadow Wallaby squad for this year’s Cup in France. Matt is permanently re-locating to Melbourne and has accepted a role as ForwardsTechnical Coach for the club in 2008.

Luke Cross
Melbourne Rebel Luke Cross has also decided to stay in Melbourne with his partner Maree. Luke, an Australian U19 Representative, originallyfrom Queensland has also spent time playing rugby league with thePenrith Panthers, North Queensland Cowboys and more recently in France. Luke switched back to rugby union in France and has been playing professionally for the Tarbes side.

David Fitter
Wallaby David Fitter has also been training with the LIONS. David who is originally from Melbourne had a few seasons with the ACT Brumbies and Western Force. He toured with the Wallabies in their Northern Hemisphere tour at the end of 2005. David is looking to study biomedicine at Melbourne University in 2008, as well as play another season.

Tai Talaia
Former New Zealand U19 player Tai Talaia has expressed an interest in playing at MURFC 2008. Tai who originally heralds from Waitemata in Auckland has been playing Sydney with the Parramatta Blues side. Tai and his partner are re-locating to Melbourne in the New Year.

Justin Botha
Justin Botha recently arrived in Melbourne from Pretoria. Justin has been playing senior rugby in Pretoria and has recently accepted a teaching role in Victoria.

Ricky Dumigan and his partner are on the move to Melbourne from Sydney. For the past few years Ricky has been Randwick’s # 2 or 3 half back, and has played a lot of 1st grade with Patrick Phibbs playing for the Brumbies. Ricky has also been Captain of Army and Services Rugby for the last few years. As a former Navy and Army musician he can be the life of a party and with the ‘Hem Dog’ will certainly rock Brens Pavilion in 2008.Please join me in extending a big welcome to the our new members.

Coaching Team

The coaching team is in place for 2008. The club is very fortunate to have a number of experienced, professional and dedicated coaches from the successful 2007 team backing up for 2008 to continue our player development.

In addition to this a number of new appointments have been made including:

Stan Carnes and Dai Hockaday coaches for Premier 2. Please follow the link to see coaching/management team for 2008.

Pre-season 2008 LIONS

S & C commences Monday 14 January First club training - Tuesday 29 January Like 2007, the first 4-6 weeks of Tuesday night training will be on the University of Melbourne campus.

Training will include: boxacise, spin cycle and interval training.
Thursday night sessions will commence at Princess Park - at the Southern Sports Pavilion from 6.30pm. This pavilion is on the Royal Parade side basically in parallel with Brens Pavilion.