Exciting recruit, Joe Pincus, has wasted no time settling into Melbourne, as he follows in the footsteps of his older brother, Melbourne Rebel 159, Tom Pincus.
Pincus chose to pursue his lifelong dream of playing XV’s rugby, committing to the Rebels prior to representing Australian at the recent Olympic Games held in Tokyo.
Pincus was one of several exciting recruits to join the Rebels during the Club’s ‘Super Signing Day’, joining returning Wallabies’ stars Matt Philip, Andrew Kellaway, experienced scrumhalf Moses Sorovi and the powerfully built, Tamati Ioane.
Despite hailing from the Sunshine State, the decision of relocating to The Stockade was an easy one for Pincus, as his brother had described to him the euphoric feeling of representing such a proud and diverse city, and one boasting a fiercely loyal supporter base.
“My brother told me how special it was to run out onto AAMI stadium on a packed Friday night, said Pincus.
“I was here earlier in the year, and the noise of the crowd and the passion from the fans made it such a fun atmosphere and it seems like an awesome place to play.
“The energy Rebels fans bring is very special and it was definitely a big drawcard for me and a significant reason to come to Melbourne and represent this Club.”
Pincus arrives at the Club carrying an impressive international pedigree, having been a star contributor for the Australian Sevens team since making his world series debut in London in 2018.
The twenty-five-year-old said that while he’s overjoyed to be turning the page and kicking off a new chapter in his rugby career, he admitted the spike in opposition size and stature has taken a few weeks to adjust to.
“It’s been tough but really exciting; everyone is really enthusiastic and we’re all getting around each other well so it’s been a really positive first month.
“The contact sessions are a bit different, there are some bigger bodies than I’m used to on the XV's field, but that’s all part of the learning process.
“It’s just about getting my body through the end of the day when you’re going up against those bigger boys, but there’s been a few sore bones at the end of training sessions for sure.”
Although rugby sevens doesn’t demand the same level of physicality as XV’s, the high skill level and fast pace of play will be important assets Pincus will look to bring to an emerging Rebels’ team, should he win the opportunity to make his Super Rugby debut in 2022.
“There are heaps of skills that can be brought across from sevens.”
“I think doing everything under fatigue and playing in those open spaces will be something that I’ll be able to bring to XV's.
“There’s obviously a greater physical aspect to this game as there’s bigger boys running around the field and some tighter channels, but I still think the fitness and skill aspects of sevens are very applicable to XV's.”
Pincus has hit the ground running during his first month, impressing his new teammates with his hunger, willingness to learn and elite-level endurance.
Reflecting on his first block of training with his new squad, the dashing winger was satisfied with his progress, impressed by the Club’s strong culture, praising the Rebels' leadership and desire for grow both and off the field.
“It’s been a great opening few weeks with my new teammates.”
“There’s clearly a strong leadership group down here, led by guys like Cameron Orr and Michael Wells - they run a tight ship and lead from the front with their actions.
“It’s been pretty clear from day one what the expectations are from the new boys and the tone has been set quite early.”
