Rebels snatch U20 Wonderkid
The prodigiously talented youngster has opted to pursue a career in Super Rugby over cricket signing a two-year contract with the Rebels from 2017.
The Rebels won the race to land Australian Rugby's rising star after the 19-year-old played a staring role in the Australian U20s campaign, including a man-of-the-match performance in the victory over New Zealand prior to the tournament.
The New South Welshman, a first-grade cricketer on scholarship with Sydney University, is the only Australian player to play every minute of the 2016 World Rugby U20 Championship, appearing in all five games at fullback.
"Jack is a naturally gifted sportsman and quality young man who has a number of attributes that will fit very well at our club," Melbourne Rebels General Manager Rugby Operations Baden Stephenson said.
"The Rebels, under head coach Tony McMahon, have a track record of fast tracking the development of promising talent so we are thrilled that he's opted to kick off his very promising rugby career with the Melbourne Rebels."
After focusing on his studies during his final year at Scots College, Maddocks has risen through the ranks since returning to the XV-man game.
Maddocks' form at fullback for NSW Gen Blue in the Super 20's Championship saw the Eastern Suburbs product called into the Australian U20 team for the two-game series against the Kiwis followed by the U20 World Championship in Manchester.
The batsman is hoping to follow in the footsteps of former Wallabies legends George Gregan, Matt Burke and John Eales, who chose rugby over promising cricket careers.
"It's really exciting and humbling to be given this opportunity by the Rebels," Maddocks said.
"Rugby has been a passion of mine growing up and now to be able to play with and against the top players in the world is a challenge I'm really looking forward to."
Maddocks' said the positive feedback from the Rebels players (Sione Tuipulotu, Rob Leota, Harley Fox, Jordan Uelese) in the Australian U20s reinforced his decision to join the Rebels.
"The Rebels growing success on and off the field is something which attracted me to the club," Maddocks said.
"I've made a lot of great friends throughout my time in the Australian U20s team who are at the Rebels and they can't speak highly enough of the club and strong culture, which made my decision a lot easier."
