Wallabies and Reds flanker Scott Higginbotham has signed a two year contract with the Melbourne Rebels starting in the 2013 Super Rugby season.
rugbyweek
Higginbotham was an ever-present in the 2011 Reds team that won the Super Rugby title, playing a pivotal role in their success and finishing the season as their leading try-scorer.
Head Coach Damien Hill believes Higginbotham’s ability will compliment the skill set currently in the squad.
“Scott’s a current Test player who we’re confident will add to the culture of the Melbourne Rebels,” said Hill.
“He’s had an exciting last couple of seasons where he’s proved to be an aggressive, hard working player, excelling as a ball-runner with the versatility of covering 6 and 8.
“We believe Scott is a player whose best football is in front of him, he is without doubt a player on the rise, and we’re all very excited about the news he will be joining us next season.”
Standing at 195cm and weighing in at 110kg, Higginbotham is renowned for his incredible athleticism and world-class skills for such a big man.
He played his first Test for the Wallabies from the bench in a 59-16 thumping of the French in 2010, before getting his first start in the 2011 Tri-Series victory over South Africa in Durban.
Queensland Rugby coach Ewen McKenzie said he wished Higginbotham all the best in the future.
“It’s obviously going to be disappointing to see Scott leave us at the end of the season, he has been a great servant of Queensland Rugby and has given his all to the team during his time here,” McKenzie said.
“Over the past few years Scott has grown from being a raw talent into a World Cup Wallaby and we’re proud to have played a role in his development and his ability to command big offers.
“In the end, we will continue to make responsible financial decisions, and we won’t compete with some of the extraordinary offers out there.
“Players have to make a decision about what is important to them and the majority of our players want to remain with the Reds.
“I’m now looking forward to the challenge of finding and developing the next Wallaby standard backrower.
“Queensland Rugby offers their best wishes to Scott at the Rebels next year.”
Higginbotham has since gone on to play 11 Tests for Australia.