The Melbourne Rebels have today unveiled talented playmakers James Tuttle and Andrew Deegan as signings for the 2020 Super Rugby season.
Both youngsters will arrive in Melbourne having earned their opportunities via various Australian Rugby pathway programs, having cut their teeth in the Australian Schoolboy and Under 20 programs before picking up contracts with Super Rugby clubs.
For former Queensland Reds halfback James Tuttle, the Rebels environment is poised as the perfect place to take his game to the next level.
“I’d like to thank Dave Wessels for the opportunity for me to continue on my Super Rugby career in Melbourne,” said Tuttle.
“I’m really excited to be joining a Club with such a highly regarded coaching staff and full of talented players right throughout the squad.
“The more competition you have in your playing group, the higher the standards you’re exposed to out on the training paddock.
“I’m looking forward to mixing it with those talented players and doing everything I can to fight for a starting spot.”
Former NSW Waratahs squad member Andrew Deegan, who has most recently been playing with the Western Force in Perth, will also be returning to Super Rugby.
“Having played professional rugby now in both the Southern and Northern hemispheres (with Connacht), I feel like I’m returning to the Super Rugby with a lot more experience.
“The backline at the Rebels is stacked with talent across the board, so it will be exciting to work alongside plenty of guys who have international experience.
“The Rebels look like they’ve been building something special over the last couple of seasons and I’m excited to be a part of it,” said Deegan.
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby & Pathways Nick Ryan was pleased to see the two players put pen to paper.
“It’s exciting for the Club to be able to secure both Andrew and James as talented playmakers who have a worldly mix of rugby experience and youth,” said Ryan.
“Our 2020 campaign is going to be built on hard work and driving high standards day in, day out. The fact both players arrive here with experience of other professional environments means they will hit the ground running and we want to create an environment of great competition for spots in the 23 each week.
“In addition to international Matt To’omua and Frank Lomani, we now have quality depth in our playmaking stocks. It takes a squad mentality to be successful in Super Rugby and we are looking forward to finalising our roster very soon.”
