Foundation player Laurie Weeks has extended his stay at the Melbourne Rebels for two more years

Melbourne Rebels Press Release –

The RaboDirect Rebels are pleased to announce that Foundation Rebel Laurie Weeks has signed a two year contract extension at the Club, keeping him in Melbourne until at least the end of the 2017 season.

The Wallaby front rower moved to Melbourne for the Rebels 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 Rebels.

The 2009 Super Rugby Rookie of the Year has been an ever-present in Melbourne, making 53 appearances since moving to the Club, and making his Qantas Wallabies debut in front of his adoring home crowd at Etihad Stadium against France in June of this year.

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.”

For Weeks himself, staying at the Rebels was an easy choice, particularly as he believes that McGahan is helping him take his game to the next level. Weeks’ breakthrough as a Wallaby saw him feature twice in national colours in 2014, before an injury sustained in the Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) ruled out any chance of him featuring for Australia on the Spring Tour.

“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.”

Weeks’ re-signing comes hot on the heels of numerous other key retentions for the Rebels, and continued stability within the playing group was another motivating factor in his decision to re-commit.

“You only have to look at the Waratahs team that won last year’s Super Rugby competition, and so many of them have been there for nearly ten years together,” he said. “Our Club is now in our best position yet; such a big part of creating success is keeping the same players together, and (General Manager of Rugby Operations) Baden Stephenson has done a great job with that.

“To continue playing with up and coming guys such as Sean McMahon and Sam Jeffries is an amazing opportunity, and I am excited about where we are going to be as a Club.”