Scott Higginbotham announced as new captain of Melbourne Rebels

SCOTT Higginbotham was on Monday unveiled as Rebels captain for 2014 to replace the departed Gareth Delve.

Scott Higginbotham has been announced as Melbourne Rebels captain.

SCOTT Higginbotham has described new coach Tony McGahan's program at Melbourne Rebels as the most professional he has been a part of in his six-year career.

The back-rower was on Monday unveiled as Rebels captain for 2014 to replace the departed Gareth Delve.

Higginbotham is the new skipper to go with the new coach, who has taken over from the axed Damien Hill.

The Wallaby forward said the players had responded well to the changes at the club, which have included the departure of big names James O'Connor and Kurtley Beale.

"It feels different (to last season), but in a positive way," he said.

"'Dumper' (McGahan) has done a great job coming in as head coach and he's brought in some fantastic staff with him.

"It's an extremely professional system - the most professional system I've been in, in my career."

It will be a newlook Rebels outfit in 2014 after a high turnover in personnel from last season.

Fifteen players from last year's squad are no longer at the club.

But Higginbotham said he believed they were on track for their best finish to date in 2014.

"There's a few new faces but not too many," he said.

"Especially in the starting 15 or the 22.

"There's obviously a few positions that need to be filled.

"But it's all positive and I'm absolutely happy with the team we've got."

News_Rich_Media: Former Australia's Strongest Man Derek Boyer has been recruited by Melbourne Rebels to help the rugby franchise gain a physical advantage over their opponents.

It was no surprise to see Higginbotham appointed as captain.

He stood in for Delve on numerous occasions last season and is a popular figure among his teammates.

The 27-year-old said he relished the opportunity to take the job on a full-time basis.

"This is a massive honour," he said.

"This is one of the biggest competitions in the world and to captain a side is a big deal.

"I'm absolutely rapt and thankful that the Rebels have seen that potential in me and chosen me to be captain."

Higginbotham said he knew what type of captain he wanted to be.

"Hopefully a good one," he laughed.

"Coming on the back of last season, I just want to lead by example..

"The best way for me to go about it, and the kind of personality I've got, is just to go out and do it.

"And I'm sure the boys will follow."

McGahan said he had no hesitation in handing the captaincy to Higginbotham.

"We were very impressed with his on-field performances last year," McGahan said.

"For some guys to go straight into the captaincy, they can struggle a bit.

"But he thrived in the environment of being captain in the backend of the season in difficult times.

"We took our time and considered all options, and Scott was the outstanding choice at this point in time."