The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed that former Springbok Sevens player Kevin Foote has been elevated to permanent head coach for 2022 and beyond.

The 42-year-old Foote initially joined the club in 2018 as their defence coach and stepped up as interim coach following the departure of Dave Wessels in April after the Rebels failed to reach the playoffs of the Super Rugby AU competition.

“I’m very grateful for everyone at the Melbourne Rebels for giving me this great opportunity to lead a really special group of dedicated, determined young men,” Foote said in a statement.

“We’ve got an exciting group of players, with some fantastic talent coming through, which will create good competition for spots amongst the current group.”

Ryan Martin has been appointed as one of Foote’s deputies and will be the Rebels’ attack coach after agreeing to a two-year deal.

Meanwhile, the Waratahs have unveiled Darren Coleman as Rob Penney’s replacement as the team’s head coach.

Photo: Melbourne Rebels