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Wallaby Josh Kemeny explains decision to sign with Northampton Saints
By AAP
Melbourne Rebels back-rower Josh Kemeny says his move overseas isn't about turning his back on the Wallabies but about making him a better player.
Kemeny made his Test debut last year, playing twice, but then surprised onlookers by signing a two-year deal with English club Northampton Saints - meaning he will miss the opportunity to establish himself with the Wallabies ahead of next year's British and Irish Lions tour and a home Rugby World Cup in 2027.
Ahead of Melbourne's Super Rugby Pacific clash with the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Saturday night, Kemeny said exposure to northern hemisphere rugby could only help his game.
"Playing international rugby has always been a big goal and I was grateful to do that last year, but this is a really exciting move for my career, " said Kemeny, who has been with Melbourne since 2020.
"I'm 25, so it definitely doesn't close that door by any means - it's something that's going to help me develop as a player, and hopefully an international player."
Kemeny has missed the Rebels' past three games with an ankle injury but joins star Test fullback Andrew Kellaway in returning to the line-up.
The Sydney-born Kemeny said belief was growing with each win that the Rebels could make their first finals campaign, with the team sitting fifth after seven rounds.
"I've been here a couple of years and the feeling this year is definitely the strongest, the most belief that we've," he said.
"Coming back from deficits in games is something that we didn't do well last year but something we're doing really well now.
"Winning those types of games is really good for the feeling around the club."
He said the improved work-rate and fitness of the players was notable, allowing them to lift in the closing stages.
The eighth-placed Highlanders are Melbourne's last target in a three-week block ahead of the bye to set themselves up for a maiden finals run.
Still waiting on a decision from Rugby Australia over their future in the competition, the financially stricken club took down the Waratahs in Sydney followed by the Fijian Drua at home in the last round.
"We wanted to have a narrow focus to reset the minds ... and this was a three-week focus," said coach Kevin Foote, whose team last won three straight in 2020.
"Winning the Weary Dunlop trophy (against the Waratahs) was massive for us and then to beat the Drua, and now to finish this block off with a good challenge against the Highlanders.
"If we do that we set ourselves up in a good place, going into the bye in a place we're quite happy with."
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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