Super Rugby
Jason Woodward ruled out of final game for Rebels
ESPN Staff
July 11, 2014
Jason Woodward has been a star in his two years with Melbourne Rebels © Getty Images
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Jason Woodward has played his last match for Melbourne Rebels, the Hurricanes-bound fullback ruled out of the fixture against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld with a back complaint.

Woodward sustained the injury in the Rebels' 34 -17 loss to the Lions.

It's a disappointing end to a wonderful two-year career with the Rebels, for whom he Woodward scored 210 points, including six tries, in 26 matches. Woodward is returning home to New Zealand to chase his All Blacks dream, with Wellington Lions in the ITM Cup, and the Hurricanes in Super Rugby.

"I'm pretty gutted," Woodward said. "I went up for a high ball, a restart, last week and landed on my back. I played the rest of the game but it's been pretty niggly. I don't really want to let the boys down by being out there and not play at my best. It's really gutting, but I have full confidence in the rest of the lads to get the job done.

"Looking back over the past two years at the fun I've had and the friendships I've made, life in Melbourne, it's been awesome. It's something I'll never forget."

Telusa Veianu will move from the wing to fullback, while Fiji International Alex Rokobaro will make his run-on debut for the rebels in the No.14 jersey. Rebels lock Sam Jeffries has been elevated to the bench for what will be his Super Rugby debut if called upon.

Rebels: Telusa Veainu; Alex Rokobaro, Tamati Ellison, Mitch Inman, Tom English; Jack Debreczeni, Luke Burgess; Colby Fainga'a, Scott Fuglistaller (captain), Luke Jones; Cadeyrn Neville, Hugh Pyle; Laurie Weeks, Shota Horie Toby Smith. Replacements: Pat Leafa, Cruze Ah-Nau, Paul Alo-Emile, Sam Jeffries, Lopeti Timani, Jordy Reid, Nic Stirzaker, Lalakai Foketi.

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