Super Rugby
Nic Stirzaker to captain Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby
AAP
February 19, 2016
Super Rugby Australia: Brumbies look like the team to beat
Related Links

Melbourne Rebels have opted for youth over experience in handing half-back Nic Stirzaker the captaincy for the 2016 Super Rugby season.

Ear-marked as a future Wallabies No.9, Rebels coach Tony McGahan has opted for the 24-year-old as a long-term skipper following Scott Higginbotham's departure to Japan.

Stirzaker has played 37 Super Rugby games for Melbourne since making his debut in 2012.

He also captained their 2014 Melbourne Rising team, which went through the National Rugby Championship undefeated before losing the semi-final.

McGahan said Stirzaker was a stand-out choice, despite the wealth of experience with current Wallabies Sean McMahon and James Hanson as well as former Test players Mike Harris, Tamati Ellison and Adam Thomson in the squad.

Super Rugby: Who will have the best … ?
%]

"We're delighted to name a long-term captain," McGahan said.

"With the way that Nic has carried himself ever since he's come into the club with regard to his work ethic and his competitive nature and more importantly where he's at with his game, we have a lot of faith in what Nic's going to deliver."

Stirzaker missed their final trial match in Melbourne on Thursday night when they thrashed Samoa 85-0, scoring 13 tries.

He suffered a setback following shoulder surgery last year, but is confident he will be fit for their opening match against the Western Force in Perth next Saturday.

© AAP

Live Sports

Communication error please reload the page.

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices