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Rebels sticking with head coach David Wessels
By Dejan Kalinic
The Rebels moved to lock in David Wessels amid interest from elsewhere, giving the head coach a two-year contract extension.
Wessels took charge of the Super Rugby club in September 2017, leading them to their best finish – ninth – in his first season at the helm.
Despite having Wessels, who was linked with the vacancy at Welsh club Scarlets in November, under contract until the end of the year, the Rebels moved to extend his deal until the end of 2021.
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson praised the changes Wessels had already made in Melbourne.
"The transformation of this club into a genuine high performance rugby program during Dave's tenure is nothing short of remarkable," he said in a statement on Thursday.
"His ability to inspire those around him, from assistant coaches to players and backroom staff, is a testament to the leader he is and he is still his own hardest taskmaster.
"His talent and potential as a coach motivated us very strongly to be proactive in making this offer to extend Dave's contract. He was in demand elsewhere and his recommitment to the club is the greatest endorsement I can offer players, members, partners, fans and the wider Victorian rugby community that we have a lot to be excited about in the years to come.
"We are confident we have an experienced Super Rugby coach who can take us all the way."
The Rebels begin their season with a clash against the Brumbies on February 15.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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