Rebels coach Dave Wessels has extended his contract through to 2021.
The 35-year-old South African coached the Rebels to ninth spot on the overall Vodacom Super Rugby log in 2018 during his first season in charge, with seven wins from 16 matches.
Wessels, who was head coach of the Force in 2016 and 2017, has opted to stay in Melbourne instead of taking up an offer from the Scarlets in Wales.
‘My wife and I are very grateful to be given the opportunity to continue our journey here in Melbourne,’ he said.
‘I really believe we can be successful here. Melbourne’s a wonderful place to be able to do that. The city is sports-mad and provides an unbelievable environment for anyone lucky enough to work in sport. As a team, we often talk about the “Magic of Melbourne”.
‘I honestly have the best job in the world – coming to work every day with young men who want to get better, an incredibly committed team of staff who give everything to help create the environment for that to happen, and an incredibly supportive CEO and board.
‘We’ve made some good progress, but there is still so much to be done. Thank you for the chance to keep going.’
Dave Wessels has re-signed as our Head Coach until 2021!
Read more about Dave’s contract extension here | https://t.co/ikQwPNg5eA#HelloMelbourne #WeAreRugby pic.twitter.com/DI9Lrjgi8B
— Melbourne Rebels (@MelbourneRebels) February 6, 2019