Super Rugby Side Brumbies In 'Firing Line' To Be Cut From Competition

Super Rugby side Melbourne Rebels is "adamant" it will remain, as the "unthinkable prospect of the Brumbies being cut from Super Rugby looms larger," according to the AAP. As Australia’s three "endangered franchises were left on tenterhooks for a fifth day since SANZAAR officials thrashed out recommendations" for a new model in '18, "whispers of the Brumbies being firmly in the firing line emerged." The Brumbies’ "apparent fight for survival was news" to CEO Michael Thomson. He said, "There are a lot of rumors swirling about. All sorts of possible scenarios, but we haven’t heard anything. We know that SANZAAR are continuing to work through it." Australia’s "most successful Super Rugby outfit admitted it would consider relocation to Melbourne to avoid extinction." Thomson: "You can't rule anything out or anything in, but Canberra is our home and I don't see that changing" (AAP, 3/16).