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Rebels snare former Force coach Wessels

Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)
28th September, 2017
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The Melbourne Rebels have got their man, signing the in-demand David Wessels as coach for the next two seasons.

The former Western Force mentor had been linked to a move to Munster and, according to reports from Ireland, the Pro 14 outfit was close to announcing a deal.

But the 34-year-old South African has opted to stay in Australia, saying he had “unfinished business” in Super Rugby in a massive boost for the battling Rebels.

“I’m very passionate about rugby, and the game in this country has provided me with the opportunity to fulfil my dream to coach professionally,” Wessels said in a statement.

“Part of repaying this faith is realising the success that I know we’re capable of.

“Make no mistake, our goal is to win Super Rugby.

“I’m excited about the prospect of coaching in Melbourne as the Rebels share many of the characteristics I have grown to love from my time in Western Australia: their players and fans have shared our uncertainty over the past couple of months and we are the ‘outsiders’ of the traditional powers in Australian rugby.

“These are very powerful galvanising forces for a club, and we’re very motivated by the fact that it’s ‘us versus the rest’.”

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Wessels spent five years with the Force and was a part of previous Super Rugby campaigns with the Brumbies and Cape Town-based Stormers.

He is regarded as one of the best young minds in world rugby and seen by some as a possible Wallabies coach in the future.

His retention is also a massive boost to Melbourne’s recruitment drive – and a massive relief for Michael Cheika – given the likes of Adam Coleman and Dane Haylett-Petty were keen to follow him wherever he went after the culling of the Force.

Speaking to reporters in Johannesburg before the appointment was confirmed, Cheika said Wessels had done an “outstanding job” in Perth.

“I say that because I have seen the players that have come in here and how they’ve come in, with their attitude into the camp,” he said.

“Not that I have been spying on his sessions or anything. That’s how I have known that.

“Him and the assistant coaches for that matter, Shaun Berne and Joe Barakat. I would really like to see them stay in Australian rugby for sure.”

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