Melbourne Rebels coach Dave Wessels has made the surprise decision to resign after missing the Super Rugby AU finals.
Wessels was in the last year of his contract and was set to coach the Rebels in the Super Rugby trans-Tasman competition which kicks off next month.
The South African native was in his fourth season at the Rebels helm and will bow out with a record of 24 wins, 29 losses and one draw.
Wessels announced his decision to Rebels players on Friday and will see out his contract working with the Rebels in "a transitional role across all elements of the rugby program."
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"Over the past few weeks, I've reflected a lot and I feel the time is right to pass the baton to someone else," Wessels said.
"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…
"I would like to give someone else that same opportunity – to test themselves and grow for the next phase in the club's journey…
"I'd like to thank the playing group here at the club, we've been unlucky this season, but I know with the type of men that you are, success is just around the corner."
The Rebels did not announce a replacement for Wessels and said it would "communicate its decisions next week."
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Wallabies legend Tim Horan last week said that Rebels assistant Kevin Foote would be a capable interim coach for the remainder of the season should Wessels be removed from his position.
It appeared Wessels might have bought himself some time by beating the Waratahs last weekend.
He gave an interesting interview to Stan Sport after that match in which he bemoaned a lack of resources.
Rebels chairman Paul Docherty thanked Wessels for his contribution.
"Dave is one of the finest people going around in rugby, he is passionate, dedicated and has left nothing on the table in respect to his commitment to our club," Docherty said.
"This is no more evident than during the impacts of COVID across the past two seasons.
"Dave's leadership and sacrifice during this time was outstanding as he managed the club through a whole season on the road for over three months last year and a month this year, without his wife and three young children who stayed in Melbourne."
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