Scott Fuglistaller and Tom English promoted to Melbourne Rebels leadership group

MELBOURNE Rebels look to support captain Scott Higginbotham with some “driven individuals”.

SUPER Rugby revelations Scott Fuglistaller and Tom English have been promoted to the Melbourne Rebels leadership group.

The second-season Rebels join foundation forwards Hugh Pyle and Laurie Weeks in support of club captain — and potential Wallabies leader — Scott Higginbotham.

The group was revealed at today’s Weary Dunlop lunch, which launches Melbourne’s season.

Coach Tony McGahan described the five players as driven.

Scott Fuglistaller

Tom English.

“The club are very fortunate to have these driven individuals,” McGahan said.

“They will provide a clear direction and support for the playing group, both on and off the field, during the season.”

Pyle, with 44 Super Rugby caps, is one of the most experienced members of the leadership unit and believes the club’s relative youth is an asset.

“We’re extremely lucky with the playing group at the moment in that everyone is on the same page,” Pyle said.

“This makes it extremely easy to lead as we just have to keep everyone on the same path they’re already on.

“The importance of the leadership group will show during the season, through how we respond to possible disappointments or rewards as a playing group.

“The five of us in the leadership group have all played together for a while, and I think we understand each others strengths and weaknesses.

“We aren’t afraid of being open with each other and expressing our opinions.”

Scott Higginbotham is the leader of the pack at the Rebels. Picture: Darren England.

Flanker Fuglistaller and utility back English were standouts last season.

English scored five tries in 10 matches, while Fuglistaller was phenomenal at the breakdown.

Shunned by NSW, English delighted in scoring a magnificent double against the Waratahs in Melbourne’s first Weary Dunlop Shield victory.

Now, he has a more senior role.

“Personally, to be in the leadership group in only my second year is quite a special thing,” he said.

Tom English scores a try for the Rebels against the Highlanders last season.

“I think the importance of the leadership group should not be underestimated, however the whole team is buying into the ideals brought in by Tony and not just the leadership group.

“It is the role of the leadership group to maintain these core values and provide standards that encourage everyone to constantly better each other.”

Fuglistaller made the most tackles of any player in the Australian conference, and received Melbourne’s Spirit of Weary Dunlop’ award.

Weeks joined the Rebels from Queensland in 2011, and has played 39 matches for Melbourne.

Higginbotham was elevated to the captaincy when Gareth Delve struggled with injury last season and revelled in the role.

The Rebels have a bye this weekend before facing the Cheetahs at AAMI Park on February 28.

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