Melbourne Rebels Attack Coach Tim Sampson has hit the ground running in his first week at the Stockade.
Sampson signed with the Rebels last month following five seasons at the Western Force.
Sampson will be working closely alongside returning Forwards Coach, Geoff Parling, Elite Pathways Coach, Pom Simona and Head Coach, Kevin Foote, in the Rebels 2023 coaching group.
Rebels Media caught up with the experienced coach for an exclusive chat on week one with the Rebels.
RM: How have you found your first week at the Rebels?
It's a real warm place, so it’s been good being around some great people, making new connections along with seeing some familiar faces, which also helps. I'm looking forward to meeting all the players over the coming weeks and really excited to be here at a Club that is buzzing and really trending in the right direction.
RM: What were some of the factors behind choosing the Rebels for your next challenge?
Having a chat with Kevin in the past, knowing Stilesy from Brisbane and having interacted with Baden in Canberra, there was solid foundation already.
I think having good, quality people to work with is crucial and something that is really important to me.
We’ve got a pretty exciting squad as well - just looking at the five Rebels included in the Wallabies match day squad with a few more in the extended squad as well.
I see a lot of talent here at the club, and some really good experience in the forwards and some young and exciting talent in the backline.
I can’t wait to work along the players and help develop their games and also importantly help them to develop me as well. As a coach I think it’s important to learn alongside together.
RM: What are you looking to bring to the Rebels from your 10 plus years in the coaching game?
I have that hard, competitive, winning attitude - but I’m sure that’s already here. I’m a people’s person and I think having an enjoyable environment to work in is crucial. I like having good, strong relationships and I think this is a great Club to be at for that. I can't wait for pre-season to begin.