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’.”
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.”
ScottD
Roar Guru
Wessels has announced that release for IPAC is a condition of his contract for two years
ScottD
Roar Guru
He was at the Force 2 (or was it 3 - I am getting old :) ) years, Head coach for 1 year and acting head coach for last 4 games of year before that.
Charlie Turner
Guest
RahRah, was Wessels even offered the head coaching role at Munster? I've got a good mate involved with the club and he reckons they offered him an assistants role and he knocked it back. If that's the case his decision to take the Rebels gig was a logical career move.
scottd
Guest
They'll get it from the ARU mate, just like they always have.
scottd
Guest
Rona played fairly well at center for the Force but his preferred position is wing and he's a very good one. Great to have someone as versatile as him in any side though
Dave
Guest
"They are your team now". No. Not now or ever.
Rebellion
Guest
Don’t be so bitter GusTee...it’s unbecoming Get behind the Rebels. They are your team now and will have a helluva lot better chance reaching the playoffs than the Farce ever were. I wonder who will pick up Pek Cowan ? Personally I think’d he’d be great working the grill @ a Hogsbreath franchise
Worlds Biggest
Guest
Very good for Australian Rugby that Wessels will remain here. When a powerhouse Club like Munster are chasing you, that speaks volumes. I thought he would head there for sure.
andrewM
Guest
not bloody likely
ols
Roar Pro
Salary cap to go up. Rebels have most to gain from this.
Bob Wire
Guest
He'll be taking players to Melbourne, how about fans?
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Thank goodness there nothing there nationally and only Daryl Gibson who can coach but they won't listen to him and the unknown in Brad Thorn who could be very good . Wessels , Gibson and hopefully Thorn will not get caught up with the current Chekko / Kaffo BS team and game plans . Eventually the penny will drop and Chekko will go and once again someone will be faced with his trash and a lot of good players overseas . The time to blood young players is very slowly off the bench against weaker opponents one at a time . The way we are going weaker opposition is getting hard to find . Wessels , Gibson and Thorn are the future with Ewan McKenzie rugby Tsar until then a they say suck it up or watch the ARL they have skills and the coaches can coach . Who would you buy Koriebete or Cooper Cronk ?
Neil
Guest
While I agree with your sentiments, Sheriff, there are still some reasonable players in the ‘Tahs. I would have thought Beale a better player than Horowitz on any day of the week at 12 and see nothing wrong with Jed Holloway as 8 although he was missing for most of last season injured. Yes, wouldn’t it be great to get someone like Rona playing at 13?
Oblonsky‘s Other Pun
Roar Guru
Most, Jacko, most, but here is one that does not!
MitchO
Guest
It is good on a few levels. If he gets success at Munster everyone will say Yeah but look how good the team list is. If he gets success at Super Rugby eg beating one NZ team once then people will appreciate his coaching efforts. Wessells will also be well aware that some of "his" Force players are keen to stay with him so it is better for them if he signs on for a season in Melbourne rather than go to Ireland. Be a pity for Faulkner is Ainsley goes to Melbourne and takes the starting tight head spot back. Does anyone know where Ainsley is going? If he doesn't get any love down here he has to be hot property on the international market. Even the Kiwis would love to have him and he's half kiwi... If the Rebels can replace McMahon with Hardwick they'll be pretty happy. Same size, both versatile, different players but Hardwick a very good pilferer.
Train Without A Station
Guest
No. 1 year. What it means is that he is hardly a product of the Force. He has coached at the Stormers, the Brumbies and the Force.
Train Without A Station
Guest
He will be at the Tahs
PeterK
Roar Guru
Horne and Howtiz have both signed elsewhere
The Sheriff
Guest
There is some dead wood at the Tahs. Needs a good clean-out. No a great deal of talent in the younger players IMO. The big winger is marginally useless, too. I don't think he could run out of sight on a dark night. Horne is going, I hope. Horwitz showed some improvement this season.
PeterK
Roar Guru
he is only counting the ones on the face