Rugby: New Rebels coach insists on success

Mark Gerrard of the Rebels. Photo / Getty Images

Incoming Rebels coach Damien Hill says the Super rugby wooden spoon has left a bitter taste and Melbourne won't settle for a second next season.

"I didn't enjoy it," he said bluntly.

"We don't like losing."

Hill, who will take over as Rod Macqueen moves to a coaching director role at the club, said the current players and staff were used to success. He was satisfied with their progress in their debut season but said they needed to translate that into results.

"When we got things right, we really got them right and the players and the staff collectively have a lot of faith, but it's about us doing more of it," Hill said.

The 41-year-old was recruited from the Sydney University club where, as head coach, he guided the students to three Sydney premierships and he also coached with Suntory in Japan. He was integral in luring talented young halfback Nick Phipps and rising prop Laurie Weeks to Melbourne.

Wallabies sensation James O'Connor also gave him a big vote of confidence by signing from the Western Force. Hill said he was excited to have O'Connor in the line-up and plans to play him in the centres.

He will partner Stirling Mortlock, outside mercurial English talent Danny Cipriani, with fellow Wallabies recruit Kurtley Beale at fullback.

"James is one of the most outstanding talents in Australian rugby. This year in the centres, at times, we had to mix and match so he'll bring another dimension to our play."

Hill's first mission is to assemble the squad for a three-match tour of Britain in August, where they will play Bath, Worcester and reigning European club champions, Leinster.

Rebels lock Adam Byrnes will be doing something a little different to the usual end-of-season footy trip.

Byrnes has been invited to the royal wedding of Prince Albert in Monaco and will stay on for a week at the palace following the nuptials.

His partner, Australian swimmer Sophie Edington, is a long-time friend of the bride, former South African swimmer Charlene Wittstock.

- AAP