Foundation Rebel Laurie Weeks has signed a two-year contract extension at the Super Rugby club, keeping him in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2017 season.
The fringe Wallaby front rower joined the Rebels for their inaugural 2011 season, and his re-signing puts him on track to be the first player to feature in a century of matches for the club.
He has made 53 appearances for Melbourne and made his Wallabies debut at Etihad Stadium against France in June.
Rebels head coach Tony McGahan said tying Weeks down had been a priority for the club.
Rebels’ Head Coach Tony McGahan said tying Weeks down to a longer deal in Melbourne had been a priority for the Club.
“Laurie is an integral member of the Club,” McGahan said. “Not only is he a foundation player, but he is also a leader amongst the playing group. His game is improving on the back of a strong work ethic that has delivered him his first taste of International Rugby, which delighted all at the Club.
“His attitude which sees him constantly seek improvement, coupled with Laurie’s playing ability, make him a wonderful asset to the Club. He is our most-capped current Rebel, and we are thrilled that he sees his long-term future here in Melbourne.”
Former Red and Wallaby, Weeks said it came down to where he enjoyed playing the most.
“When it came down to the decision, I just thought about where I really enjoy playing footy, and that’s here in Melbourne,” he explained. “I am really excited about where we are as a team; our coaching staff is at the best level it has ever been, and I am really excited about continuing to work with Tony McGahan.
“The coaches and program here really helped me become a Wallaby, and in the last year, Tony has helped me play my best footy, so it’s great working under him.”
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Sometimes it’s best to start at the finish. The Waratahs winning the Super W final 50-14 against the Drua was the cap to a…
So many Australian rugby fans look back on 2023 as a complete disaster for the game down under, with million-dollar blowouts, an Eddie experiment…
After three losses, the Crusaders are not the powerhouse of previous seasons, while Rugby Australia is set for a new Chief Operations Officer to overcome financial issues.
While fans may have anticipated an exciting game based on some big-name signings, the Rebels failed to create a cohesive unit for effective rugby.
Prior to Christmas, there were several articles discussing the precarious position of several entities linked to Melbourne Rebels chair Paul Docherty and the Rebels’…
The benefits of a rugby centralisation model will be streamlined development, a united front, and becoming a rugby powerhouse on the global stage.
