Former Western Force Head Coach Tim Sampson leads an experienced trio set for key roles in a revamped Rebels High-Performance team for the 2023 season.
Sampson joins the Rebels as an Assistant Coach, Katherine Rottier has been appointed as Head Physiotherapist, and Rugby Victoria stalwart Will Nicholson moves into the new Rugby Operations role.
Sampson, who had five seasons as Head Coach at the Force, will be the new Attack Coach, joining the returning Forwards Coach, Geoff Parling, and Elite Pathways Coach, Pom Simona, in the 2023 coaching group.
Sampson will replace Ryan Martin, who departed the Club to join Toyota Verblitz in Japan.
Rottier brings over 20 years’ experience working in high-performance sport across Australia and New Zealand, having spent time with New Zealand rugby teams including the Chiefs, NZ Men’s 7s, and most recently at High Performance Sport New Zealand.
Nicholson has over 10 years’ experience with Rugby Victoria, including having spent time with Rugby Australia as the National Competitions Manager and working as Match Manager at the 2019 Rugby World Cup.
Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said he was thrilled with the calibre of talent coming into the Rebels.
“I can’t speak more highly of the experience, IP, and expertise these three people will bring to these roles,” he said.
“I know Tim will come in and compliment the core coaching group that returns from the 2022 season.
“It was a thorough process we worked through in collaboration with Rugby Australia’s High-Performance department to secure Tim, and we’d like to thank Matt Wilkie (National High-Performance Coach Development Manager) for his support in the appointment.
“Looking at the bigger picture for our code, we must keep smart, talented people in Australian Rugby, so we are excited to bring Tim to AAMI Park.
“I’m also thrilled to be welcoming Katherine Rottier back to Australia as the Club's Head Physio, she brings a wealth of experience working with elite teams and athletes, and in particular, her Super Rugby experience was highly regarded. We also want to thank Kieran Cleary (Head of Wallabies Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation) and the Wallabies for their input in that process.
“Finally, Will Nicholson is a name well-known to those in the Victorian Rugby community already. He has a great family connection and a great community connection to our Club as well as experience in high-performance environments, so we couldn’t think of a better person to look after our Rugby operations.”
