Gerrard says sayonara to Rebels
Departing veteran back Mark Gerrard hasn’t ruled out returning to the Melbourne Rebels although he believes his rugby days will probably end in Japan.
The 29-year-old former Wallaby left the limelight for his retiring skipper Stirling Mortlock and revealed after their 32-17 loss to the Reds he’d played his last Super Rugby game at Melbourne’s AAMI Park after signing a deal to play in Japan.
“I’m just happy to drift off into the wilderness. I didn’t want to make a fuss,” Gerrard said of keeping his departure under wraps.
“It’s sad to go but, at the stage I’m at in my career, it was just too good an offer to refuse.”
Gerrard, who played 24 Tests for Australia, will head overseas late in July for around six months, only required to play seven games with his second-division side Toyota Shokki.
“I’m going to take it easy and enjoy the culture and do a bit of snow-boarding and surfing in the breaks.”
After starting his career in NSW in 2001 and then at the Brumbies, he moved to Japan for two years in 2009 before re-igniting his Australian career in Melbourne.
He said if he decided to play Super Rugby again, he hoped it would be with the Rebels.
“I couldn’t play anywhere else. It wouldn’t be right – I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.”
In his two seasons, Gerrard was one of their most-talented, consistent and versatile performers as he passed a milestone ton of Super Rugby caps.
Gerrard plans to play one match of their upcoming two in South Africa to finish the season and then return for the birth of his son – bringing his tally to two girls and two boys – in Sydney where his family are building a new home.
“He’s been one of our best players,” said Melbourne coach Damien Hill.
“We’ll miss him … he’s been a leader, he’s covered fullback, wing and outside centre for us and he’s got one of the best kicking games in the whole competition.”
The Rebels would have liked to have kept Gerrard but Hill said they couldn’t compete with the money on offer in Japan.
“We fully respect his decision – we’re lucky to have had him for the time we have.”
The Rebels leave on Sunday for games against the Lions in Johannesburg and then the powerful Stormers in Cape Town.
Star back James O’Connor is out after re-injuring his hamstring however Mortlock, who has been battling a calf problem, is a certainty to travel.
Lloyd Johansson will come into the squad for O’Connor.
Hill said it would be a tough tour.
“We haven’t won a game in South Africa,” he said.
“If we put the same effort in (as against the Reds), we’re going to be on the wrong end of the scoreboard.”
© AAP 2013- Explore:
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July 1st 2012 @ 9:02am
Bakkies said | July 1st 2012 @ 9:02am | Report comment
”I couldn’t play anywhere else. It wouldn’t be right – I wouldn’t be able to sleep at night.”’
I find that a very odd thing to say considering he made a name for himself at the Brumbies who gave him a second chance after getting ditched by NSW. Plus playing little Rugby in the Japanese second division at the age of 29 is very lazy. A bloke like him should be heading to Europe or at least play in the top Japanese league.
July 2nd 2012 @ 3:44am
Damo said | July 2nd 2012 @ 3:44am | Report comment
Bit harsh Bakkies. How would you know if he’s ‘lazy’?
He was a great Rat before he was a Rebel. And played 10 very well at club level.
Saw him make a try out of absolutely nothing to win a club final years ago.
Loved watching you play Mark. All the best for the future.
Agree with posters below. Would have loved to see you in Wallaby 12 jumper in hindsight.
You have been, aside from the seldom fit mortlock,the most dependable back at the rebels, I am one of those who knew what you could do with a football but did not get to see you do enough of it in a gold jumper.
Well played.
July 2nd 2012 @ 8:42am
Markus said | July 2nd 2012 @ 8:42am | Report comment
Gerrard has acknowledged in the past that he is prone to being lazy, and admitted it was the reason he was sent home from a Wallabies camp back in the day.
I have no issue with him playing at a level of competition that would allow him more time with the family, but do agree that this was a very odd statement to make for a player who had six seasons and a Super 12 title with the Brumbies.
July 1st 2012 @ 9:03am
Deez said | July 1st 2012 @ 9:03am | Report comment
Best of luck Mark – have enjoyed watching you play over the years. Particularly the kicks for the sideline this year – would you mind dropping by Wallabies camp before you go to teach some of the guys how to get more distance and accuracy out of their kicks?
July 1st 2012 @ 10:15am
Patstick said | July 1st 2012 @ 10:15am | Report comment
I would of liked to have seen Gerrard at this stage of his career play IC for the Rebels, and challenge for a Wallaby spot. He is a reasonable defender, can kick for goals and general play very well, is too slow for wing but has the speed for IC, he can bust tackles, BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY HE CAN SET UP AND PASS THE BALL. I think he would be an ideal IC, just my two cents. So long Mark, good Rugby brain lost to Aussie Rugby.
July 1st 2012 @ 7:59pm
Bakkies said | July 1st 2012 @ 7:59pm | Report comment
In 2006 where we talking about Gerrard playing flyhalf for the Wallabies. Not sure why he didn’t have a crack at 12.
July 1st 2012 @ 10:42am
Glenn Condell said | July 1st 2012 @ 10:42am | Report comment
Good luck Mark, you will be much missed. It’s a bit of a shame you’re not going to Europe because you are the sort of sound backline player with an educated boot that could thrive there. A few injuries at crucial times and some pretty good competition meant less Wallaby appearances than expected, but some of those appearances were memorable, especially one Bledisloe you basically owned in both attack and defence, monstering your opponents in an MOM effort for mine. Only 29, so never say never, but good luck whatever happens.
July 1st 2012 @ 10:51am
the bone said | July 1st 2012 @ 10:51am | Report comment
Good to see your are doing the best thing for your family with number 4 on the way. Best of luck Mark, see you down Rat Park after japan.
July 1st 2012 @ 2:31pm
IronAwe said | July 1st 2012 @ 2:31pm | Report comment
See ya mate. Thanks for the games, you’ve been an entertainer.
July 1st 2012 @ 5:37pm
Blinky Bill of Bellingen said | July 1st 2012 @ 5:37pm | Report comment
MG seems a top bloke. I wish him well.
July 1st 2012 @ 6:01pm
nickoldschool said | July 1st 2012 @ 6:01pm | Report comment
Completely understand his decision. Great player/bloke. Good luck to him and thanks for what he brought to Oz rugby.
July 1st 2012 @ 7:12pm
Bobo said | July 1st 2012 @ 7:12pm | Report comment
Should be wearing a Wallabies jersey. Not as a winger, but solid defence, good hands, attacking mindset and a monster boot. He’s been the Rebels’ best back this season.
July 2nd 2012 @ 7:55am
the bone said | July 2nd 2012 @ 7:55am | Report comment
Couldnt even make wallabies 39 man squad so cant blame him for moving on. I would have him in my Wallaby 22 all day