Rebels sign Inman for two Super Rugby seasons

The Rebels have announced that Mitch Inman has extended his contract with the Melbourne Super Rugby franchise for another two years.

Inman joins a growing list of players committing to the Rebels as the Club’s retention plan continues to pay dividends, with over twenty of the player roster signed beyond 2015.

The 105kg centre admits the long-term commitment of his fellow Rebels teammates weighed heavily in his decision to stay in his new adopted city, Melbourne.

“The coaching staff and management have done an outstanding job over the past six months in keeping this group together and that’s been a big factor in why I want to stick around,” said Inman.

“Super Rugby is the toughest provincial competition in the world, and although France was an option, I wanted to be in an environment where I can constantly challenge myself.”

“There was no need to talk to any other Club; I believe going forward that the Rebels are improving out of sight, and I want to be part of the success down here in Melbourne.”

Inman, who will make his 70th Super appearance this weekend, has been one the Club’s most consistent performers since joining the Rebels in 2012, finishing runners up in the Rebels’ Players’ Player Award three consecutive years in a row.

At 25, Inman remains determined to represent the Wallabies, having toured with his country and been a part of the extended Wallabies squad in 2012.

“I am putting my hand up to be selected for Australia; that’s been my goal since I was a five year old kid,” he said. “It’s important to have individual aspirations, but it is more important to ensure your teammates have them as well and that we work hard and achieve things as a collective.

“We know that as a team we have to continue to become a lot more competitive in this competition and that when we do, a lot more players will be selected for higher honours.”

Rebels Head Coach Tony McGahan said that Inman’s commitment was great news for the Club and just reward for his hard work and determination to succeed.

“Mitch is a well respected member of the playing group, based on his deep respect for the Club and his teammates,” McGahan said.

“The preparation and professionalism he shows on a daily basis allows Mitch to play consistently week in week out, and that rubs off on the rest of the playing group.

“Mitch is a key player for us, and we wanted to have him in our roster moving forward, and for him not to consider any other franchise in Australia or overseas demonstrates a lot about his character and his drive to continue to improve the Rebels rugby program.

“He is enjoying his Rugby here in Melbourne, and he has clearly backed himself to achieve what he has wanted to do since joining the Club in 2012.”

One of the longest serving players at the Club, Inman will make his 52nd appearance for the Rebels on Saturday night against the ACT Brumbies in Canberra.