Weeks commits to years

The 30-year-old was the first player to sign for the club in 2011 and will remain a Rebel until at least 2019 after putting pen to paper on a contract extension.

"Laurie is the heart and soul of the Rebels. He has developed into a genuine leader and continues to be a role model for his peers with the dedication, spirit and attitude he brings to the Rebels organisation on and off the field every day," head coach Tony McGahan said.

Rebels Managing Director Andrew Cox said Weeks is highly respected across the entire organisation.

"Laurie epitomises the Rebels, so we're thrilled that he has recommitted to the club for another two years.

"He's contribution to the Rebels over the last seven years can't be underestimated and, as the only remaining foundation player, he will continue to play a significant role in guiding the club into an exciting future," Cox said.

Weeks, capped twice by the Wallabies in 2014, is set to break the club's record for most Super Rugby appearances with his 74th game for the Rebels – surpassing the record set last year by fellow foundation player Luke Jones.

After making his Super Rugby debut with the Reds against the Bulls in 2009, Weeks was named the Super Rugby Rookie of the Year and Rugby Union Players Association Newcomer of the Year in his maiden season, in which he started in 11 of 13 games.

Weeks, a member of the leadership team, joined the Rebels in 2011, where he's made 54 run-on and 19 substitute appearances for the club.

"The decision to re-sign with the Rebels was an easy one, I love Melbourne and I love the team.

"I'm incredibly proud to see how far this team has come from humble beginnings to genuine contenders every time we take the field and I look forward to being a part of an exciting future for the Rebels," Weeks said.

The Melbourne Rebels continue their 2017 Super Rugby campaign against the Hurricanes at Westpac Stadium, on Saturday March 4.