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Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan has paid the price for their worst ever Super Rugby season, with the club looking to replace him.
McGahan’s team managed one win from 15 rounds this season under the weight of a crushing injury toll and the pressure of being in the Australia Rugby Union’s sights as it seeks to cut a team.
While a decision is still to be made by the ARU on the Rebels’ future, McGahan won’t be a part of it.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, both parties said a decision had been made to look for a fresh start beyond the end of the current campaign.
“Tony has been a loyal and committed leader of the club since the moment he arrived in Melbourne,” Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said.
“This has been a particularly tough year on and off the field and we are grateful for the resilience and determination Tony has shown to keep the players and staff focused on performance.
“Tony’s legacy will remain with the club through the program that he has established, processes that are in place and upcoming talent he has nurtured and we wish him the best in his future direction.”
McGahan failed to take the Rebels to the finals in his four years but has still been their most successful coach since the club joined the competition in 2011.
Most notably they have blooded eight eight Wallabies including last year’s Australian Super Rugby Player of the Year, Sean McMahon.
McGahan said he was sorry to leave but would help wherever required to make the transition as smooth and professional as possible.
The club has two remaining Super Rugby games under his leadership, against the Western Force in Perth on July 7 and the Jaguares from Argentina on July 14.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.