Wallabies halfback Luke Burgess will return from France to play for the Melbourne Rebels after signing a two-year contract with the Australian Rugby Union.
Burgess last played for Australia at the 2011 World Cup before taking up a lucrative deal with leading French club Toulouse where he’s mostly come off the bench behind Jean-Marc Doussain.
The 37-Test halfback’s return has long been forecast, with his Rebels deal sparking Nick Phipps’ switch from Melbourne to the NSW Waratahs for 2014.
Burgess will arrive back in Australia at the end of France’s Top 14 competition.
The Top 14 final is scheduled for June 1 and defending champions Toulouse are currently sitting third.
Burgess’s first match for the Rebels could be as early as their June 25 tour match against the British and Irish Lions.
The former NSW Waratah believes his French experience has made him a better player as he hopes to play for the Wallabies again.
“The rugby has been different, especially in terms of the physicality on a weekly basis – the games can be a real grind, but it’s been a great learning curve that I’ve had,” he said.
“Obviously representing my country again is a goal, but I’m also looking forward to linking up with the Rebels and playing my part in the on-going development of the game in Melbourne.”
Skills & Techniques
Guest
I'm with you RK. I would pick Burgess over Phipps any day. Superb defence and he's a good person to have on your team too.
Bakkies
Guest
With his service. In my view he is a 12 or a fullback masquerading as a scrumhalf.
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Slow to distribute or run? Coz he's got a fair bit of toe on him. Almost danced around Rokocoko a few years back. He did bulk up too much though at the Tahs which slowed him down a bit.
Bakkies
Guest
He is still too slow.
Malo
Guest
I will take interest in the rebels now as watched Burgess play blinders for easts, tahs and wallabies. Beale and Phipps will be the last straw for me as a tah fan, I will go for the Force / Brumbies. I like McKibben and Foley think they are getting better
Justin2
Guest
Kingi has been stuffed around big time. How many times has he had the chance to play 9?
hog
Guest
GEE Malo, must really hurt kowing that the Rebels are going to stick around.
Sam
Guest
The Rebels have a good future with Nic Stirzaker, and Richard Kingi (once his knee is on the mend). They should have committed to signing Dave Hardisty (Melbourne University/ Norths) to the EPS squad. If this is all true to form, the Rebels will probably play Burgess in time for Deans to select him in his squad which is rather obscene. (How many spots do the Rebels have left any ????) If the Rebels DON'T play him, Deans will set a precedent by picking a back-up 9 that hasn't played Super Rugby in how long? Blah.
Billy Bob
Guest
Hope you're correct Albo
AdamS
Roar Guru
How exactly do you get to that level and not know how to pass? It's a mystery.
Blinky Bill of Bellingen
Guest
Maybe Cheika feels he needs another challenge? ;) Frankly when I read of the Waratahs being interested in him I thought someone was having a lend. :( I hope to proven wrong with Phipps turning out to be the buy of the season. What does he offer that McKibbin doesn't?
The OG AlBo
Roar Guru
Glad to see Burgo back in the mix. His pass is better than Phipps and he has the defensive capabilities of a loose forward. He did struggle with his pass early on in his career but it's fine now. He'll go well down south.
Justin2
Guest
Be good for the Rebels to have an attacking threat around the rucks and strong defence too. Two area where Phipps struggles IMO. Mind you neither can pass a football that well.
nazza
Guest
Fully agree with you Red Kev.. Never really liked Phipps, he really is overrated.. hospital/Loose passes, slow service, slow reaction and bad kicking game.. And I'm a Rebels fan too lol..
Red Kev
Guest
I hope he does well, I can't fathom why Cheika signed Phipps up though.
Billy Bob
Guest
I find myself looking forward to his return. Maybe Europe has stretched his game?
Malo
Guest
Burgess will add a lot to the rebels welcome back, hope it goes swimmingly