Big change at the Rebels ahead of Trans-Tasman

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After the side finished fourth in the Australian Super Rugby competition, coach since 2017 Dave Wessels stood down.

He said, "Over the past few weeks, I've reflected a lot, and I feel the time is right to pass the baton to someone else.

"Living in Melbourne, and coaching the Melbourne Rebels, has been a wonderful experience. I've learnt an incredible amount, built some really strong friendships, and I feel confident that I am leaving the club in a really good place."

In thanking his players who, he said, had been unlucky in 2021, he felt that success for them was just around the corner.

Also missing will be attack coach Shaun Berne. He was the Wallabies attack coach at the 2019 Rugby World Cup, having joined the Rebels after time with the Western Force.

Stepping in as an interim head coach will be Kevin Foote. He was the club's defence coach who had worked with Wessels at the Perth Spirit in 2014 before taking over on his own in 2017 when Wessels moved to Melbourne.

Announcing the appointment, the Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said he believed Foote would provide stability to the position.

"Kevin is excited to have been given the opportunity to take on the interim head coach role, and is looking forward to the Trans-Tasman series. He is well respected and has a great relationship with the playing group and other staff," he said.

In Berne's absence, the Wallabies coaching staff will work closely with the Rebels in a short-term capacity. Former England lock Geoff Parling will continue as defence coach.