Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy

HEAD COACH ANNOUNCEMENT 🇳🇿

With James Lancaster stepping away from the U16s NZ Tour 2026 campaign due to work commitments, and Jackson Popata currently limited through injury, we’re excited to announce that our Founder and Director of Rugby, Masi Tusitala, will take the reins as Head Coach.

A leader who has helped build Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy from the ground up, Masi brings passion, experience, and a deep commitment to developing our young men on and off the field.

The journey to New Zealand continues — and we couldn’t be more excited to have him leading the way.

MR BROTHERS HIMSELF ✊🏽

🏉🔥

🇳🇿 LOCKED IN ✊🏽

Your U16s Melbourne Brothers Touring Squad
- 80% of players are new to the Brothers Family

1 of our Training Host for our preparation for New Zealand Tour.

We acknowledge the proud history and legacy of Kiwi Hawthorn Rugby Club and appreciate the belief they have shown in our program and our community.

Thanks for DOR for backing the vision and supporting us to ensure we had somewhere to prepare.

🏉 THROWBACK 2019 🏉

THE ORIGINAL BROTHERS ✊🏽

We took a punt.
25 spots opened up for players across Victoria to travel to Canberra and battle through 2 games in 3 days.

What started as an opportunity quickly became a movement.

Through connections with powerhouse clubs — Tuggeranong Vikings and Gungahlin Eagles — we saw firsthand that Melbourne’s talent pool was a sleeping giant ready to rise.

To the 2019 Brothers Squad — thank you for paving the way and igniting the passion to continue creating opportunities for players across Melbourne.

Now, 7 years on and 8 tours deep, the journey continues.
The future is bright for the Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy. 🔥💙

Tag an Older BROTHER ✊🏽

MEET THE COACHING STAFF
Introducing the leadership team behind the Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy U16s New Zealand Tour 🇳🇿🏉

HEAD COACH — JAMES LANCASTER
A passionate leader committed to giving back to the game and developing the next generation of players. James was part of the successful Brothers U16s Brisbane Campaign in 2025 and brings strong experience as a forwards coach. He will lead the Brothers U16s squad on their New Zealand Tour with pride, discipline, and purpose.

ASSISTANT COACH — JACKSON POPATA
Jackson brings energy, creativity, and attacking flair to the program. With experience across both junior and senior rugby as a player and coach, he will play a key role in developing our backs and building an exciting attacking style for the squad.

TECHNICAL ADVISOR — NIVA TEO
Niva will provide specialist support in set piece and defensive structures throughout the campaign. His experience and connection to New Zealand rugby will be invaluable as the team returns to his hometown, where he played his senior rugby.

S&C COACH — TOMMI TUSITALA
Tommi has been instrumental in preparing the squad physically for the demands of tour rugby. Through high-intensity, targeted strength and conditioning programs, he continues to push the players to perform at their highest level on and off the field.

Our Director of Rugby and Admin | Masi & Nona Tusitala will oversee the operation and work hard behind the scenes to give these players the BEST and LIFELONG MEMORIES ✊🏽

🇳🇿 Character First | Rugby Follows ✊🏽
Brotherhood MB

Japan 🇯🇵 Came and Went |
Leave your footprints behind and take the Memories ✊🏽

PLAYER OPPORTUNITY – NEW ZEALAND TOUR 🇳🇿🏉

Limited spots have just opened up.

If you’re serious about taking your rugby to the next level, this is your chance to develop under high-level coaching and experience the game internationally in New Zealand.

Compete. Grow. Represent.

Don’t miss it.

Register your interest now via the link 🔗

https://form.jotform.com/260189367090866

JAPAN TOUR 🇯🇵 – FOREVER GRATEFUL

It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant.

To our players – we are incredibly proud of the effort, discipline, and respect you showed throughout this tour. You represented not just our academy, but your families and culture with pride. The growth we’ve seen in such a short time goes far beyond rugby.

To our families – none of this is possible without your support and sacrifice. Your belief in the vision, your contributions, and your trust in us means everything.

To our community advisors – Ian Barker, Melissa Silaga, Junior Fiu, and Kevin Tuson – thank you for your guidance, wisdom, and continued support behind the scenes.

To Aiotaua Sialau Te'o & Sola Niva Te'o we are grateful for your continuous support since the beginning and always standing by us and MBRA. ❤️

To our sponsors – BPS Property Services, A7 Steel Fixing, Polyflor, and WTM Fitness – thank you for backing our vision and investing in these young men and their futures.

On tour, we were blessed with incredible people:
Kumi, our bilingual guide – thank you for helping us connect deeper with Japan, its people, and its culture.

Tour Manager – Melissa Silaga – your work day-to-day ensured everything ran smoothly. Your care and commitment did not go unnoticed.

Our Coaches – Ben Perenise & George Iotua – the time, effort, and genuine love you pour into these players is something special. It goes far beyond the game.

And to Nona – your tireless work behind the scenes continues to build and shape this program. We are forever grateful.

This tour was more than rugby. It was connection, culture, growth, and lifelong memories. Moments that will stay with us forever.

We leave Japan with full hearts.

See you in New Zealand ✊🏽🇳🇿

Masi Tusitala
Founder | Directorefulou

ANNOUNCEMENT 📣

From 25 players to 450+ athletes in just 6 years.

That’s what happens when a community backs purpose.

Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy develops players on and off the field — through coaching, mentorship, education, and exposure.

Sponsorship with us means:
✔️ Real community impact
✔️ Brand visibility with purpose
✔️ Supporting the next generation

We WANT YOU to be part of the BROTHERS FAMILY✊🏽

📩 Partner with us. Be part of the journey

[email protected]

Built for the grind. Made for the moment. 💥

Melbourne Brothers Rugby Academy x

Performance meets culture. Passion meets purpose.

The journey continues — stronger, faster, united.