The Melbourne Rebels have boosted their front row stocks by signing 22-year-old Greater Sydney Rams representative Jed Gillespie to their extended playing squad for 2015.
Gillespie will add to a strong front-row presence in the squad, including Wallaby Laurie Weeks and Toby Smith.
Having played for much of the inaugural National Rugby Championship season with the Rams, it is Gillespie’s first Super Rugby contract.
Rebels coach Tony McGahan said Gillespie had impressed at pre-season training and had the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut in 2015.
“Jed was given the opportunity to join us for pre-season with a view to securing a contract, and he has certainly delivered in the major focus areas set out for himself,” McGahan said.
“He adds value to our program through his desire to improve and to succeed, and we’re confident that the coaches can add the technical elements Jed will need to contribute strongly to our Rugby program here in Melbourne.”
Gillespie said the contract was a reward for his effort in club rugby over the past few years.
“I’m very, very excited to join the Rebels; I have been around club rugby for a little while, and I’m pleased to get a shot to step up into professional Rugby,” said Gillespie.
“I was given the great opportunity to come down and train, and to then translate that training into a contract is fantastic.”
“Playing for the Rams was good; the NRC was faster, and more intense, than Club Rugby and I got to test myself against some very good professional players. I’m now looking forward to stepping up again to Super Rugby if I get the opportunity this year. I would love to get on the field and play some games; I want to add to the team and help out wherever I can, and if that means game time against the best in the world it would be great.”
“Going through the grind of pre-season with the rest of the boys helps you fit in, and become part of the team quicker,” he said. “Toby (Smith) is somebody who I watch carefully in training and follow his techniques, and he is always keen to have a chat and help me out wherever possible. I’m really happy with how everything has started off for me in Melbourne.”
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