SA-born Dave Wessels in shock decision to quit as Melbourne Rebels coach

Dave Wessels has stepped down as head coach of the Melbourne Rebels after they failed to reach the Super Rugby AU playoffs, the team said on Friday.

READ | STORMERS NAME SIDE TO WELCOME SIYA KOLISI BACK TO CAPE TOWN

Wessels, who was appointed in 2017, will no longer coach the Rebels for next month’s Trans-Tasman competition against New Zealand teams, but will spend the remainder of his contract in “a transitional role”, the Rebels said in a statement.

“Over the past few weeks, I’ve reflected a lot and I feel the time is right to pass the baton to someone else,” Dave Wessels said in the statement.

“I’d like to thank the playing group here at the club, we’ve been unlucky this season, but I know with the type of men that you are, success is just around the corner.”

A message from Dave Wessels for our members, partners and supporters pic.twitter.com/EIEQJbpt4T

— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) April 30, 2021

Dave Wessels, whose contract was set to expire at the end of 2021, came under pressure after the Rebels lost three home matches in succession this month to take their playoffs hopes out of their hands.

The Rebels won their last match away to the winless Waratahs on Saturday, but it was too-little-too-late, with the Western Force ensuring the Rebels’ elimination by beating the Reds the previous evening.

READ | SPRINGBOK BAD-BOY ANDRE ESTERHUIZEN HIT WITH HEAVY BAN FOR STRIKING OPPONENT

Dave Wessels’ departure comes a week after Chief Executive Baden Stephenson insisted the coach would remain at the helm for the Trans-Tasman competition starting mid-May.

“Dave’s work ethic, detail, desire, generosity and leadership were hallmarks of his tenure and I look forward to working with him over the coming months to set the club up for future success,” Stephenson said.

The Rebels did not announce a replacement but said they would work on a plan for the Trans-Tasman competition and “communicate decisions” next week.

READ | SHARKS LURE FAMILIAR FACE BACK TO DURBAN

Wessels, 39, who was born in Cape Town, has enjoyed success in Melbourne over the years.

Over a three-year period between 2018 and 2020, Wessels led the Rebels to a 63% win rate in the Australian Conference.

He also led the team to wins over the Highlanders (twice), the Lions and a record-breaking win over the Sharks at AAMI Park.

The Rebels finished second in the Australian Conference in 2018, 2019 and 2020 (competition suspended due to Covid).

As head coach, Wessels also broke the club record for the most number of wins in a season (2018/2019), the most consecutive wins in a season (2018/2019), and the most points in a season (2018).

From everyone at the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Victoria, thank you Dave. pic.twitter.com/GmypXVQdR4

— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) April 30, 2021