Melbourne Rebels Head Coach David Wessels has agreed to a two-year extension of his contract with the Club, confirming he will be the Head Coach until at least the end of 2021.
The re-signing of Wessels, with his contract not due to expire until the end of 2019, highlights the faith the Rebels have in the 35-year-old coach and vice versa, the potential Wessels sees ahead for the Club. “My wife and I are very grateful to be given the opportunity to continue our journey here in Melbourne,” Wessels said.
“I really believe we can be successful here. Melbourne’s a wonderful place to be able to do that. The city is sports mad and provides an unbelievable environment for anyone lucky enough to work in sport. As a team, we often talk about the ‘Magic of Melbourne’.”
“I honestly have the best job in the world – coming to work every day with young men who want to get better and an incredibly committed team of staff who give everything to help create the environment for that to happen, and an incredibly supportive CEO and Board.” “We’ve made some good progress but there is still so much to be done. Thank you for the chance to keep going.”
Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson was full of praise for Wessels, who he recruited to Melbourne at the end of 2017. “The transformation of this Club into a genuine high performance Rugby program during Dave’s tenure is nothing short of remarkable,” Stephenson said.
“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 are 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.” stated Stephenson.
