The Melbourne Rebels have announced that Dave Wessels will step down as coach ahead of Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Wessels took over as coach in 2018 following the decision to remove the Force from Super Rugby, taking over from Tony McGahan.
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In that season, he would go on to break the club record for wins and points in a year.
However, a poor run of form saw the Rebels miss the finals in 2019, before breaking their drought in 2020 as part of Super Rugby AU.
With the club missing the finals again in 2021, Wessels has made the call to move on from the position as external pressure started to mount.
“Over the past few weeks, I’ve reflected a lot and I feel the time is right to pass the baton to someone else. Living in Melbourne and coaching the Melbourne Rebels has been a wonderful experience. I’ve learnt an incredible amount, built some really strong friendships and I feel confident that I am leaving the Club in a really good place,” he said in a statement.
"When I was first appointed interim Head Coach at the Western Force I had the final three games of the 2016 season to start leading and preparing the Club for the future. It gave me the opportunity to gain some valuable experience and test myself without the full responsibility of the job.
"I would like to give someone else that same opportunity; to test themselves and grow for the next phase in the Club’s journey.
“I’d like to thank my wife for her incredible support in our Rebels journey – being at home with young children whilst your partner travels for their role is often a much harder proposition and I couldn’t have got through the last two COVID impacted seasons without her amazing backing.
"I’d also like to thank our coaching team and staff at the Rebels who have been a pleasure and a privilege to work alongside. A big thank you also to the Rebels members and supporters, you have shared the highs and lows alongside our team and I appreciate all your support that you have shown me.
"Finally, 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.”
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson thanked Wessels for his commitment to the side both on and off the field.
Stephenson said, “When Dave commenced the role at the end of 2017 it took a very special Coach to lead our Club through a period of intense change and he has done an almighty job to establish and evolve many foundations that the Club will continue to build on in the future.
“Dave developed Wallabies, identified and unearthed some elite talent, achieved the most successful seasons in the Club’s history amongst some very memorable victories.
“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.”
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