The Melbourne Rebels are thrilled to unveil Rob Taylor as the Club’s new Assistant Coach and Elite Pathways Manager for the upcoming 2024 Harvey Norman Super Rugby Pacific season.
Taylor has penned a multi-year deal and will remain at the Melbourne Rebels until at least the end of the 2025 season. A student of the game with a meticulous work ethic and fierce drive, Taylor arrives in Melbourne carrying a wealth of international coaching experience having achieved success in Australia, New Zealand, England and Japan.
Taylor began his coaching career at home in Auckland, before joining the prestigious Sydney University Football Club in 2016, where he experienced immediate success, winning four premierships in four years, including back-to-back Shute Shield premierships, while also coaching current Melbourne Rebels Captain, Brad Wilkin and Wallaby Josh Kemeny.
After leading Sydney University Football Club to the Australian National Club Championship in 2020, Taylor coached NSW Country Eagles in the NRC, before joining England’s most successful rugby team, Leicester Tigers, as an Assistant Coach later that same year.
In 2021, Taylor embarked on a new challenge, journeying to the land of the rising sun, where the New Zealander led the Green Rockets Tokatsu for two seasons, working with a number of world class Top League and Super Rugby players.
With a long history of maximising player development and an exciting next generation of Melbourne Rebels coming through the ranks, Taylor said he couldn’t wait to hit the ground running at his new rugby home.
“When I watched the Rebels play last season, I saw a team playing for each other and one that wasn't afraid to express themselves, which is the type of team and footy I want to be a part of,” said Taylor.
“I love being part of a team that is always striving for more, so I will be bringing plenty of energy, a strong work ethic and attention to detail for anything the team or players need from me. I can’t wait to get started.”
Melbourne Rebels GM of Rugby, Nick Stiles, said the Rebels were thrilled to welcome Taylor and were excited for the impact he’ll make on the Rebels next generation of stars.
“Rob’s signing is a strategic recruitment for the Rebels as we look to evolve our playing style and maximise the development of the next generation of Melbourne Rebels and Australian representatives,” said Stiles.
“We’re so excited to have someone of Rob’s calibre join our Club. Rob arrives at the Rebels possessing strong international experience across four countries, where he’s achieved great team success and fast-tracked elite player development.
“As we look to evolve our game model, Rob will be driving our kicking strategy alongside Tim Sampson, while also developing our elite pathways and EDS contracted players and helping identify the next wave of homegrown Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies to proudly represent our state and country.”
