Dane Haylett-Petty signs contract extension with Rebels

Australia international Dane Haylett-Petty has penned a new deal with Super Rugby club Melbourne Rebels.

The 29-year-old joined Rebels in 2018 and played 11 Super Rugby games last season. His professional rugby debut though came with Western Force in 2008 and after featuring for Biarritz, Tokyo Shokki Shuttles and Perth Spirit he rejoined the Perth outfit in 2014 and remained with them until they were terminated from the competition ahead of the 2018 season.

“I’ve really enjoyed my time in Melbourne since arriving last year,” Haylett-Petty said.

“This environment has really helped me develop as a player on the field, and as a leader off the field.

“The intensity that we bring to training, the level of competition that exists within the clubhouse – everything we do here is geared towards to making us the best possible version of ourselves.

“I wanted to do what was best for my development as a rugby player, and that was to stay here in Australia and to continue my journey here at the Rebels and Wallabies.”

The 29-year-old has played 31 Tests for Australia since his debut in 2016 and was recently part of the end of the year European tour in 2018 and will be a vital cog in Michael Cheika's Wallabies squad for the World Cup later this year. He has also represented Australia U20 side in 2008 and 2009 IRB Junior World Championships.

“I’ve been lucky enough to know Dane for a long time now. He’s a good man and works very hard to be the best he can be both on and off-field," said head coach Dave Wessels.

“We feel like we’ve got some really good people on the boat now and our goal is to keep this group together for the long term. Dane’s re-commitment is a big step in this process.”