In-form utility back, Jack Debreczeni has lived up to many expectations as one of the most exciting prospects in Australian rugby. His innate ability to slot goals from all over the park is awe-inspiring, adding to the spectacle of the Melbourne Rebels’ victorious one-point win over the Chiefs at the weekend.
Born on 6 June 1993, Jack played his junior rugby with Wests Juniors in Western Sydney. A product of Trinity Grammar School, Jack captained their first XV to a Premiership and played in the Australian Schools “A” side in 2011. Soon after, he was whisked from colts to first grade at Sydney’s Club side, the West Harbour Pirates, the same team his Dad had previously represented.
In 2013, Jack played for Australia in the Under 20s at the Junior World Cup, the same year he was pursued by AFL side, the Essendon Bombers, who were keen to poach the young prospect given his stature and identified kicking ability. At the ripe old age of 20, Jack was already high in demand with the Brumbies also said to be interested in his signing.
But it was the Melbourne-based Super Rugby side that Jack’s signature was penned on an Extended Playing Squad contract, after conceding that it is the game they play in heaven where his heart lays.
Following his introduction to life as a professional rugby player at RUPA’s annual Induction Camp in December 2013, Jack joined the Rebels in the pre-season ahead of their 2014 campaign.
While injuries hampered his early days at the Rebels, so impressed were the Club with his potential, Jack was upgraded to a full contract before he’d even played a match.
Jack made his Super Rugby debut towards the back end of the tournament last year. In his initial season he made five appearances for the Rebels, which included his first Super Rugby try against the Bulls during round 19 in South Africa.
He was a standout for the Melbourne Rising in last year’s inaugural Buildcorp NRC, topping the points scoring table by almost 60 points in front of second place. His stellar campaign in the third tier competition was rewarded with a new deal that will see the talented youngster with the Rebels squad until the end of 2017, a huge plus for a team that continues to prove their worth in their impressive rise through the Super Rugby ranks.
Many have and continue to herald the 21-year-old as one of the most promising talents in the game, including both Rebels’ Captain, Scott Higginbotham and Coach, Tony Mc Gahan.
In round two this year Jack was called on to make just his second start in his Super Rugby career against the reigning Champions, the NSW Waratahs, demonstrating a confident faith in his abilities. Whilst adept in the number 15 jersey, this year Jack’s nine appearances have all been at fly-half. But, at 192cm tall and 102kg, he presents a figure more akin to a lock.
Despite injury again taking its toll this year, Jack isn’t one who lets disappointment get in the way of his goals, and has since returned to the field continuing to unveil his uncanny knack for sending the ball over and through the sticks, no matter how long the range, which has further strengthened his reputation as a solid and reliable kicker.
As someone who enjoys teaching kids, Jack is currently studying a Bachelor of Primary Education through Open Universities Australia, with a desire to get into Primary School teaching following his rugby career.
In the meantime, Jack remains one to watch with the Rebels players continuing to fight for their Super Rugby cause, and for a potential Gold jersey in the World Cup.
