Rebels secure Jack Debreczeni until end of 2017

Melbourne Super Rugby franchise the Rebels have extended contracts with exciting young flyhalf Jack Debreczeni until the end of the 2017 rugby season.

Twenty-one-year-old Debreczeni joined the Rebels ahead of the 2014 Super Rugby season as a member of the Club’s Extended Playing Squad, and was given a one year extension in March of this year prior to making an appearance for the Club.

Signed from Sydney’s West Harbour, Jack then made his Super Rugby debut against the Waratahs in Round 12 and played the remaining four fixtures after that.

Debreczeni also played every game for the Melbourne Rising in their Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC) campaign, leading the competition for points scored, and was one of the five nominees for NRC Player of the Year at the 2014 John Eales Medal.

Debreczeni praised his teammates for helping him decide to stay in Melbourne for even longer.

“I am really excited to stay for a further three years, and to keep learning from the coaching staff here and working with the playing group,” he said.

“I had two injury setbacks early which required a lot of hard work to get back from, but it has been more than I could ask for to make my Super Rugby debut and then be a part of a successful Melbourne Rising campaign.

“The last year has been a great learning curve for me and I have enjoyed my time amongst this group; it’s like a real family, and I just want to rip into next season!”

Rebels’ Head Coach Tony McGahan shared Jack’s delight at the contract extension, after identifying him as a key part of the Club’s future.

“We’ve been delighted with Jack’s progress all through the year; unfortunately for him it was quite interrupted with injury, but he has applied himself extremely well to return and then start his professional career at the back-end of the season,” McGahan said.

“He certainly showed in his opportunities the kind of ability that we’re looking for, and we’re really pleased he finished the Super Rugby season so well and that form has transferred into the NRC campaign; Jack has played a really dominant role with the Melbourne Rising.”

Debreczeni’s approach and attitude to his Rugby were also praised by McGahan.

“The great thing for us is that Jack has such a level head about where he is in his development and Rugby career, where he’d like to go and how he can get there,” he said.

“We have noticed a big change in Jack since he came into a professional program for the first time with eyes wide open, and not necessarily realising the amount of work and detail in different areas that need daily attention. Jack’s changed a lot over the twelve months, and like all good players do Jack has digested information and been able to apply it to his game.”

Jack agreed, and believes there remains plenty for him to continue to work on.

“I am now a lot more comfortable with what is required to be a professional athlete, and I am still learning different things every single day which will help me along the way,” Debreczeni said. “I am comfortable and happy with my progress, but there is a lot more hard work ahead over the pre-season and plenty to improve upon.”

Debreczeni’s contract extension continues a wonderful spate of re-signings at the Club during the last six months, and McGahan is excited by that.

“One of our real positives this season has been (General Manager Rugby Operations) Baden Stephenson’s involvement in our recruitment and retention; certainly our retention of players has been a huge focus for us,” he explained.

“We understand the landscape and how difficult it is to attract high-profile players to move Clubs, but Jack is a representation of a number of young players that we have invested in and want to keep a hold of, and develop together.”

“Since the Super Rugby competition started in 1996, the successful sides have been built on keeping players together and stability. That