What were we thinking?
So, we have a new logo. Something to represent the Rebel Army moving forward, and the majority of feedback we received have been positive. How did we get to this design you may ask?
Our thinking in the matter was, lets have a look at what’s already in place:
- The Melbourne Rebels logo, we looked at what works with it, and what doesn’t – The general feel was it looked to much like a basketball logo rather than a Rugby logo which represents 100 years of Union heritage.
- Eureka Flag – Rather than throw the idea away, we aim to re-invent it – Let people recognise the foundation of the crest as being that of the Eureka flag, but still move away from the literal flag image.
- The Victorian Coat of arms – Lets sneak this into our crest and represent the entire state rather than just be exclusive to Melbourne – a recurring theme the Southern Cross.
The Rebels logo.
The inaugural Australian Rugby Championship started August 2007, including eight teams, one of which based in Melbourne, Victoria – It was unfortunate that the competition only ran for one year, but with that said, Melbourne had a lot of positives come from the ARC – Not only were the Rebels name born, but we also earned the respect of the Australian Rugby community by reaching the finals! The Rebels name was chosen in consultation with the local rugby community. VRU officials decided on the Rebels name in reference to Victoria’s first Wallaby, Sir Edward “Weary” Dunlop. Chris “Buddha” Handy at the launch, said that “like the great Weary Dunlop, Victorian rugby has a history of daring to be different, a touch of the larrikin, and always having a go. These qualities are what you want in a Rebel and characterize the way Victoria is successfully tackling this historic year”.
The Eureka Flag.
The Eureka Flag was the battle flag used at the Eureka Stockade, a gold miners’ revolt in 1854 in Ballarat, Vic. It has since become, among other things, a symbol of protest for a wide variety of causes in Australia. The original flag is located at the Ballarat Fine Art Gallery. Peter Lalor, leader of the Ballarat Reform League, swore this oath to the affirmation of his fellow demonstrators: “We swear by the Southern Cross to stand truly by each other and fight to defend our rights and liberties.
The Victorian Coat of Arms.
The 1910 blazon of the Coat of Arms of Victoria is: Arms: Azure, five Stars Argent representing the Constellation of the Southern Cross. Crest: On a Wreath of the Colours, Argent and Azure, a demi-Kangaroo proper holding in the paws an Imperial Crown Or. Supporters: Dexter, a Female Figure (representing Peace) proper vested Argent cloaked Azure wreathed round the temples with a Chaplet and holding in the exterior hand a branch of Olive also proper; and Sinister, a like figure (representing Prosperity) vested Argent cloaked Gules wreathed round the temples with a Chaplet of Corn and supporting with the exterior hand a Cornucopia proper. Motto: Peace and Prosperity.
Rebel-Army.
We want to honor the rich history of Victoria, and ensure that the Rebel Army logo is inclusive, not only representing Melbourne, VRU, or a certain sector of the community, but rather the whole of Victoria. We’re an army on a crusade to take the Rebels to the top of the Super Series, and just as importantly prove that, after 100 years or Rugby in Victoria, we deserve our place in Australian Rugby Union history.
From the Great Ocean Rd to the High Country, Gippsland and the Mighty Murray.
We’re Victoria… We’re the Rebel Army!
Great work, Team. Well concieved and a great representation of our recent and distant history – while also setting the theme for the future. Thanks, also, for listening and to – and respecting – the views of everyone on the various Rebel blogs. Rarely do sporting organisations do this so once again you are demonstrating that Rugby Union is different from other codes – we do it better. Thanks! John (Buster) Christopher
Hey there Busta – We received quite a bit of feedback on how we should represent the fans, and definitely noted the concerns and thoughts on what people would wear on their hearts. Our aim was to move away from the connotations with the Eureka Flag (from a Trade Union point of view), while still respecting it’s true meaning. To put it blunt ‘we’re taking it back’ and making it our own again! Thanks again for taking the time to leave feedback, looking forward to seeing you around the blogs and forums!
I do like this logo design.
Well thought out and it will be instantly recognisable. Nicely combines the historical with the new. I guess my ARC Melbourne Rebels merchandise will need updating though.
As the Super Rugby competition is essentially a Provincial competition, it is good that the Melbourne Rebels’ logo will represent the whole of the State of Victoria, at least in an Australian context. Maybe some thought should also now be given to going a step further and adopt a name change to the Victorian Rebels in recognition of the role Victorian Rugby has made to the sport., after all Queensland Reds, NSW Waratahs, ACT Brumbies and Western Force. But “what’s in a name”, they will still be known as the “Rebels”. Wonder what the owners think?