Killingworth signs with Rebels

Former Aussie Sevens forward Boyd Killingworth is joining the Melbourne Rebels for the 2020 Super Rugby season.

Killingworth played with the Sevens for several seasons, including a berth in the 2016 Rio Olympics, but after an injury-riddled Sevens season, he has been playing XVs regularly in recent months.

The backrower played for Warringah in the Shute Shield this season, playing in their heartbreaking grand final loss to Sydney Uni, and showed promising form in his club stints.

Killingworth said he was looking forward to linking up with the Rebels, joining a backrow department that includes Luke Jones, Isi Naisarani, Richard Hardwick, Rob Leota and Brad Wilkin.

“It’s not just getting back to fifteens, I’m super excited to be joining a Rebels squad with so much talent," he said.

"I’ve always thought the Rebels are a Club with huge potential and I want to play whatever role I can in making that a reality.

“The competition for back row spots will be immense, but it’s a challenge I’m really looking forward to and I know that’s the kind of environment that will get the best out of me.”

Rebels general manager of rugby and pathways, Nick Ryan, said Killingworth had long been on their radar.

“From his time in the Sevens program, we know that Boyd has a great physical capacity but it was his competitiveness that caught our eye," he said.

“Although he will be coming into a Super Rugby environment as an uncapped rookie, he has been a professional player for around five years, so he really leads the way in terms of his professionalism and work ethic.”

Killingworth's acquisition comes after the signing of Sydney Uni back Harry Potter earlier this week.