The Melbourne Rebels have confirmed backrower Michael Wells will lead the side in Super Rugby Pacific.
Wells is coming off a breakout year with the club that saw him included in the Wallabies side for the French series.
He would go on to win the Weary Dunlop Award for his leadership and efforts on and off the field at the Rebels.
With Dane Haylett-Petty calling time on his career, Wells was honoured to step into the role after serving as vice-captain in 2021.
“It’s been really humbling receiving this honour and being voted to lead the team by our players and coaches,” said Wells.
“It’s nice to know your teammates and coaches think of you in that light, and that people respect your standing and presence within the team.
“I’m going to bring a lot of responsibility not just personally but collectively with this group.
“You have to be the best individual player you can be, but you also have to help build the best collective environment for everyone and be responsible to make sure everything’s being run well, and all the boys are doing their individual jobs and working to the best of their abilities.”
Wells is joined in the leadership group by Reece Hodge and Matt Philip, who will serve as vice-captains.
"Michael can take so much confidence into this year knowing everyone in this Club is right behind him, head coach Kevin Foote said. “For us to show the way with love and to be the number one team for culture in the competition; to win and perform at a consistent high level – he is our guy.” “It’s also exciting to have Reece and Matt chosen as our two Vice Captains - two consistent hard-headed Wallabies who lead with their performances, with one guy soon set to become our first Rebels’ player to reach 100 Club games.”
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Phillip believes Wells' incredible attitude and commitment typifies who he is as a leader and ensures he is the perfect man to lead the club into the future.
"I think he's just going to lead with his actions which I think is really important in a leader," Philip told Rugby.com.au
"He'll do what he says he's going to do and he's also a really good clubman. He's well respected in the group, he's a consistent performer and a level head.
"He can think under pressure which is very important for a captain."
