Rebels set sights on Force’s Wessels

Editor

Western Force head coach Dave Wessels is among a list of candidates who have applied for the Melbourne Rebels' vacant coaching job.

That is the word from Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson who revealed that the franchise will begin interviewing contenders for the position in the next fortnight.

“We have been shortlisting the coaching applicants and we will be looking to start the interview phase of the shortlisted guys in the next seven to 10 days,” he told the Australian.

The Rebels have been without a head coach since the end of this year's Super Rugby campaign when Tony McGahan stepped down from the position after a four-year tenure.

The Rebels were interested in signing Wessels in the past and Stephenson admitted that they are still keen to acquire his services. 

But with Rugby Western Australia seeking an appeal over an arbitration ruling on the Western Force's axing from Super Rugby, the men from Melbourne will have to wait at least a week to see whether Wessels will be able to switch franchises.

“If Dave became available, we would certainly be keen to have a conversation with him,” said Stephenson. 

“Dave has done a great job in WA and he is highly respected in Australian rugby.”