Rebels Stalwart Laurie Weeks Retires

Melbourne Rebels tighthead prop Laurie Weeks has announced his retirement from Super Rugby.

A Foundation Rebels player, Weeks’ announcement comes after a stellar Australian rugby career, having accumulated 107 Super Rugby and two Wallaby caps over 10 years.

The 32-year-old has spent the majority of his career in Melbourne, having played 25 games for the Queensland Reds between 2009-2010 and 85 games for the Rebels between 2011-2018.

He also became Wallaby #882 when he debuted for Australia against France in 2014 at Etihad Stadium. 

Reflecting on his conclusion to step down from playing duties, Weeks says his decision to retire was a relatively easy one to make.

“It’s funny, it was definitely a case of ‘when you know, you know’,” Weeks said.

“Whilst I still and always will love the game, after over a decade of professional rugby I felt my desire and motivation had waned.’

“If I couldn’t give my team 100 percent of my effort and energy I was only doing them and myself a disservice.’

“I actually wasn’t too emotional, which is very rare for me, and that is probably a great indicator that I’m making the right decision.”

With the Club ushering in a new era, Weeks believes his decision was also made simpler given the very promising young talent which is pushing through the ranks.

The Rebels stalwart says he is proud to retire at a time when Victorian talent is now a vital make-up of the Rebels’ playing group.

“I looked around the changeroom and there were so many new and young faces, and I guess that also made it easier,” he said.

“I’ve been incredibly proud of the development of some of the local Melbourne boys like Rob Leota, Sione Tuipulotu, Fereti Sa’aga, and Jordan Uelese.’

“It’s been so good watching them develop every step of the way from gifted schoolboys to outstanding men who are performing at the highest level.”

Melbourne Rebels Club Captain Tom English, who has played with Weeks since 2013, paid tribute to the champion scrummager and his contribution to the Club.

English says Weeks’ character has been instrumental in developing the internal culture which the current playing group value dearly.

“Since the Rebels’ inception in 2011, Laurie Weeks has been here and over this time, Laurie has been able to mould the Club into what it is today,” English said.

“I believe Laurie’s values and personality are the reason the playing group has been so tight the past couple of years.’

“From the beginning, through all the uncertainty and even now, the man has demonstrated courage, spirit, and a love for this place that I doubt I will ever see surpassed.”

While his playing days at the Rebels are over, Weeks will continue to be a presence around the Club, taking up an off-field position in the Rebels’ Commercial team for the 2019 Super Rugby season.

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