Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell opts to take a break from Rugby

MELBOURNE Rebels foundation back Lachlan Mitchell will depart the club at the season’s end to take an indefinite break from rugby.

Lachlan Mitchell tries to break through the tackler during the Melbourne Rebels vs Stormers Round 14 Super 15 match at AAMI Park. Friday May 17, 2013.

MELBOURNE Rebels foundation back Lachlan Mitchell will depart the club at the season’s end to take an indefinite break from rugby.

The man who became the first player to notch up 50 games at the Rebels said he was keen to pursue other interests.

“I’ve loved my rugby career to date, but I’ve got to a point where I don’t want to keep playing for the sake of it or keep playing, but at a club I wasn’t passionate about,” he said.

“If there was a team I was particularly interested in playing for I’d consider it.

“But right now I’m looking to study and explore other options.”

Mitchell scored seven tries during his time at the club, with one of those coming in the side’s opening win this season against the Cheetahs in Round 2 at AAMI Park.

But it has been a frustrating season for the 26-year-old, who had his season cut short due to a knee fracture he suffered in March.

Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke paid tribute to Mitchell’s contribution, describing him as a “fantastic servant” of the club since joining in 2011.

“He was a fitting man to become the first to 50 Rebels caps, as he has embraced not only the Rebels but also the city of Melbourne truly as his home,” he said.

“We hope to see him stay involved in the future.”

Originally published as Foundation Rebel Lachlan Mitchell opts to take a break from Rugby