Rebels announce Tony McGahan departure at season end

The Melbourne Rebels and Head Coach Tony McGahan have agreed to part ways at the conclusion of the 2017 Super Rugby season.
 
McGahan will leave the Club on positive terms as the longest-serving and most successful coach in the Rebels’ short history.

 
Despite an injury ravaged and controversy-filled 2017 season, McGahan’s contribution to the Rebels over his four-year tenure has been significant including blooding eight Wallabies.

  
In a joint statement, both parties said the decision had been made in the best interests of the Rebels in order for the Club to develop the long-term direction of the rugby program.

 
“Tony has been a loyal and committed leader of the Club since the moment he arrived in Melbourne” Melbourne Rebels Chief Executive Officer 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 focussed on performance”

 
McGahan said he was sorry to be leaving the Rebels but would help wherever required to make the transition as smooth and professional as possible.
 
"I look forward to following the Rebels as a club and help in the transition of the new coach ensuring that transition is as smooth as possible," he said.