Eight former Western Force players have been named in the Melbourne Rebels’ squad for Saturday night’s World Series Rugby grudge match at nib Stadium.

The bulk of the Force’s best players jumped ship to the Rebels at the end of last season after Rugby Australia controversially axed the Perth-based franchise.

Andrew Forrest saved the Force by launching World Series Rugby, and Saturday night’s encounter looms as somewhat of a grudge match, given the history between the Force and Rebels.

All up, eight former Force players have been named in the 24-man squad.

Billy Meakes, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip and Nathan Charles are in the starting line-up.

Jermaine Ainsley and Michael Ruru have been named on the bench.

Former Force stars Adam Coleman and Dane Haylett-Petty haven’t been considered because they are away on Wallabies duties.

Dave Wessels, having coached the Force last season before also leaving for the Rebels, will share mentoring duties on Saturday with former England and British and Irish Lions international Geoff Parling.

“We are really looking forward to a special night,” Wessels said.

“I know many of the players and I am excited about returning to Perth to play in front of family and against many old friends.

“We’ll certainly be trying to do our part to put on an exciting game. It promises to be a night to remember.”

Wessels has named Jack Debreczeni for his first start in four weeks, with the experienced five-eighth to line up at fullback.

REBELS:

Jack Debreczeni, Kiti Ratu, Tom English (capt), Billy Meakes, Henry Hutchinson, Tayler Adams, Harrison Goddard, Angus Cottrell, Richard Hardwick, Ross Haylett-Petty, Matt Philip, Sam Jeffries, Pone Fa’amausili, Nathan Charles, Tom Maloney.

Res: Matt Gibbons, Andrew Tuala, Jermaine Ainsley, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Rohan O’Reagan, Jack Johnson, Michael Ruru, Hunter Paisami, Jack McGregor.