Australian U20s star Jack Maddocks has signed a two-year contract with the Melbourne Rebels after turning down an opportunity to pursue a professional cricket career. The Rebels won the race to land Australian Rugby’s rising star after the 19-year-old played a staring role in the Australian U20’s campaign, including a man of the match performance in the victory over New Zealand prior to the tournament. The New South Welshman, a first-grade cricketer on scholarship with Sydney University, is the only Australian player to play every minute of the 2016 World Rugby U20’s Championship, appearing in all five games at fullback. “Jack is a naturally gifted sportsman and quality young man who has a number of attributes that will fit very well at our Club,” Melbourne Rebels General Manager Rugby Operations Baden Stephenson said. “The Rebels, under head coach Tony McMahon, have a track record of fast tracking the development of promising talent so we are thrilled that he’s opted