The Melbourne Rising will be led by Co-Captains in the 2015 Buildcorp National Rugby Championship (NRC), after Head Coach Zane Hilton unveiled back row forwards Colby Fainga’a and Scott Fuglistaller in the dual role today.
Twenty-four-year-old Fainga’a and 28 year old Fuglistaller bring a wealth of experience to the Co-Captaincy, combining for over 100 Super Rugby appearances between them, and Hilton is confident that they will lead with aplomb.
“Scott’s leadership has been there for all to see during his three years as a Melbourne Rebel, culminating in his selection as Co-Captain of the Rebels for the 2015 Super Rugby season, and we’re really pleased to be able to tap into that leadership experience with our Rising group,” Hilton said.
“Colby has also shown a real willingness to help his teammates and bring the best out of them during his two seasons as a Rebel, despite not having a formal leadership role; he’ll certainly thrive with this opportunity, and as a former Australian U20s Captain we know that he’s a leader of men.”
Fainga’a and Fuglistaller both missed the inaugural NRC due to shoulder operations, however each of them are looking forward to leading in 2015.
“I’m really looking forward to the NRC and being Co-Captain,” Fuglistaller said.
“It’s a competition that brings a lot of enjoyment, and to have the opportunity to lead a team with Colby which includes a number of young blokes and guys in their first taste of semi-professional Rugby is very exciting.
“It will be really refreshing to take the Melbourne Rising to different parts of Victoria for our four home matches and experience different places; there’ll be great support at all of the games I’m sure, and I know that there’s a different Rugby culture in each place.”
As for Fainga’a, he is looking forward to starting his first formal leadership role in a few years, and developing his leadership skills alongside Fuglistaller.
