Melbourne Rebels poised to swoop for coach Dave Wessels if Super Rugby’s Western Force fold
Perth-based franchise lodge appeal with the Supreme Court of New South Wales to fight for their survival, with the appeal hearing set to be held in Sydney next week
The Melbourne Rebels have targeted Western Force coach Dave Wessels as a potential replacement for the departed Tony McGahan if the Perth team lose their battle to stay in Super Rugby.
The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said on Friday it would axe the Force from the competition, but the Western Australian franchise have lodged an appeal with the Supreme Court of New South Wales to fight for their survival, with the appeal hearing set to be held in Sydney next week.
Along with dozens of players and staff, the highly regarded Wessels could find himself unemployed if Force lose their appeal, but Rebels chief executive officer Baden Stephenson said there would be a job interview waiting for him at the Melbourne club.
“If Dave became available, we would certainly be keen to have a conversation with him,” Stephenson said in comments published by The Australian newspaper on Wednesday.
“Dave has done a great job in [Western Australia] and he is highly respected in Australian rugby.”
The Rebels’ future in Super Rugby was also uncertain until the ARU’s announcement.
