Melbourne Rebels have re-signed captain Nic Stirzaker and forwards James Hanson, Steve Cummins and Fereti Sa’aga despite the Super Rugby club’s future being unclear.
Lock Cummins and prop Sa’aga have re-committed for a further two seasons, while experienced duo Stirzaker and Hanson will remain for at least the 2018 season.
The Rebels and Western Force have continued signing player contracts as the Australian Rugby Union considers the clubs for axing from the Super Rugby competition.
Both franchises are adamant they will survive.
Prior to Monday’s re-signings, the Rebels had recruited former England lock Geoff Parling and rugby sevens star Henry Hutchison for next season.
But coach Tony McGahan and players Jack Debreczeni, Mitch Inman, Toby Smith and reportedly Sean McMahon will depart.
“Our squad for 2018 and beyond continues to take shape with four highly respected and quality individuals who will contribute to the Melbourne Rebels,” club chief executive Baden Stephenson said.
The Rebels said further player announcements were set for coming weeks.
Sydney product and scrumhalf Stirzaker is in his sixth season for the Rebels, while 12-Test former Wallabies hooker Hanson played his 100th Super Rugby game this year.
The Rebels are last in the Australian conference ahead of Friday’s clash with the Force in Perth.
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Big decision leaving his Wallabies career behind as well, won't be eligible under current ARU guidelines for offshore players
Sam
Guest
The whole thing is deteriorating into a nightmare. How can it be anything other than status quo now? Brett McKay asked the question a month ago... At what point does SANZAAR have to lock in a number for fixtures, broadcasting etc. I rapidly approaching empty when it comes my interest in rugby. It feels like I'm watching a motor vehicle accident in slow motion.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
How does that help us? If the Sunwolves go instead of an Australian team our income remains the same and our costs about 20% higher.
Train Without A Station
Roar Guru
That would mean the Force have signed 37 players as a minimum (1 per day) since the moratorium was lifted on 29 May. Perhaps an exaggeration to suit your bias, just like all your comments?
Bugalugs
Guest
To get the number of teams down to 15 again obviously. That is what SANZAAR wants to do, but they are looking in the wrong direction.
Bakkies
Guest
'Personally Id cut the Brumbies for what its worth.' The smartest thing to do.............................................
Crazy Horse
Roar Pro
The Force have been signing a player or two almost every day since the signing ban was lifted. There aren't many left to finalise.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
B. Didn't develop as expected. Needed to be an understudy to someone, as Carter was to Mehrtens. Instead he got given the reins and asked to learn as he played.
carnivean
Roar Rookie
It's an article for a Victorian paper and syndicated to AAP. I've seen similar articles for WA papers that don't mention the Rebels. As to the question "what is the agenda here?" the answer is publicity and nothing more.
darkhorse
Guest
"Personally Id cut the Brumbies for what its worth" A few people gonna hurt next year as the Brumbies continue to prosper and play the Finals
darkhorse
Guest
double post
piru
Roar Rookie
Just seemed odd - why only mention one team when both are in the same situation (and both mentioned in the article) I don't know whether the agenda would be pro or anti rebels - just odd.
Bamboo
Guest
Thats because its about the Rebels signings. Can you honestly say you'd question whether there was an agenda if there was an article about Force signings? Theres a difference between something being odd and there being an agenda. Personally Id cut the Brumbies for what its worth.
piru
Roar Rookie
not really - there's been a flurry of signings in both WA and Vic, but the headline only mentions one. just odd, I don't really care - it will be what it will be, and the longer it takes the more likely the Rebels will go imo
Bamboo
Guest
Bit precious mate.
bert
Guest
Maybe both clubs know something we don't
KCR
Guest
I am merely pointing my own perspective of the entire conference. You are correct the ARU wants to remove a team and SANZAAR chose to appoint and maintain a Japanese team without access to top players and that they will share a conference through convenience. My point is that this proposed conference looks inferior to the Australian conference that ran from 2011-2015. I am not laying blame only sharing disappointment at what could have been.
John R
Roar Guru
You could say the same about the Rebels!
John R
Roar Guru
I thought he was looking really sharp playing at fullback aye. Like carrying with real purpose, and into contact. Wish he'd been doing a bit more of that from ten. Considering how big a unit he is and all
John R
Roar Guru
Jono Lance, Dane Haylett-Petty, Chance Peni, Ben Daley, Richard Hardwick, Michael Ruru, Richard Arnold have all signed on