9 Jul 2013

Rebels oust Hill, install McGahan

6:11 am on 9 July 2013

A day after sensationally dumping Australia back James O'Connor, the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby side have continued their end-of-season clean-out by sacking head coach Damien Hill.

Hill will be replaced by former Munster coach and current Wallabies assistant Tony McGahan, who joins the struggling franchise on a two-year deal.

Hill's dismissal adds to sweeping changes to the Rebels roster with captain Gareth Delve, and Wallabies backs Nick Phipps and Cooper Vuna, among a raft of players departing.

McGahan helped Munster to two Heineken Cup titles as defensive coach before being named head coach in 2008.

It's unclear whether he will remain in the Wallabies role, with the Australian Rugby Union expected to fire Deans this week in the wake of the 2-1 series loss to the British and Irish Lions.