The Melbourne Rebels secure IAS Graduate Paul Asquith for the 2016 Asteron Life Super Rugby season. The twenty-two year old utility back has spent the last four seasons playing for Southern Districts in Sydney’s Shute Shield Rugby competition, as well as being heavily involved in the Australian 7’s program. Displaying all the qualities of an IAS Graduate, the Well-spoken and mild-mannered Asquith, grew up playing for Kiama Rugby Club, where his father and three brothers also played. No stranger to sacrifices, he made a 90-kilometre drive each way from Jamberoo on the South coast to his training ground in Southern Districts several times a week. This commitment to his Rugby has seen Asquith collect a number of honours this year, including best back at NRC team the Western Sydney Rams and selection in the 2015 Australian Barbarians team. “The NRC and Barbarians were physically demanding and a step up for me, which I relished. The new laws made the game play more fluid which was similar to my experience with the 7s”. Melbourne Rebels Head Coach Tony McGahan said he was looking forward to seeing Asquith integrate into the Rebels Program. “We are thrilled that Paul has joined the squad as we feel that his skill set and versatility will add depth to our backline – his strengths are his speed, agility and ability to find space. He has a good work ethic and the ability to learn which will enable the Rebels program to refine his all round game”. With a week of Rebels pre-season under his belt, Asquith was quick with praise for his new teammates and coaches. “I’ve noticed a special comradery from both player to player and player to coach which I like. There is a culture around honesty and accountability which means nobody is idle or complacent and this seems to drive the work-ethic”. Asquith has been in Melbourne for less than two weeks, but the enviable lifestyle is already growing on him “I’m a big fan of food and film so I can see myself exploring the best of what Melbourne has to offer.”
