Melbourne Super Rugby rookie Tom English has earned a surprise call-up to the Rebels’ leadership group and now has to earn a place in the starting side.
The 22-year-old is the only back in the group named Thursday assisting skipper Scott Higginbotham, joining lock Hugh Pyle, prop Laurie Weeks and flanker Scott Fuglistaller.
A former Australian Rugby Sevens representative, English got the nod ahead of former Wallaby halfback Luke Burgess, ex-All Black Tamati Ellison and experienced centre Mitch Inman.
After only playing nine Super games last season English was surprised and excited with his inclusion.
He said it didn’t guarantee him a starting jersey with coach Tony McGahan still keeping the players guessing about his preferred line-up.
The Rebels have a bye this weekend and get their season started against the Cheetahs at home on Feb 28.
“That’s the good thing about Tony, you really have to earn your spot and he’s going to pick players on form,” English said.
Able to play in the centres or wing, English faces some stiff competition from Ellison, Inman, ex-Waratah Tom Kingston, Lachie Mitchell and Kiwi Telusa Veainu.
McGahan said he saw English as a long-term leader at the club.
“He’s got a selfless attitude and he wants the team to do well.
“I was impressed by his work ethic, his encouragement to his other team members and just the way that the group responded to him.
“He’s going to a long-term player here at the Rebels so giving him a position like that now will continue to reinforce the good things that have been happening down here.”
English said the role Weeks and himself held was more “spiritual” than on-field and was about ensuring the well-being of their teammates.
“We ensure players are up for training, how they’re feeling, what the mood’s like and we’ll try to keep the engine ticking.”
Meanwhile, McGahan says Japan international Shota Horie won’t play against the Cheetahs.
A late arrival this season due to his commitments with Japanese rugby, Horie arrived back last week with knee and ankle injuries.
McGahan said because Horie had never played under him, there was a lot of ground to cover.
“Unless he improves dramatically with his injuries I can’t see him playing.
“Training time and knowledge and coming off a pretty hectic finals series is a big ask.
“Things have changed so much he’s virtually starting again.”
Pat Leafa is likely to start at hooker with Steve Fualau the back-up.