Melbourne Rebels head coach Dave Wessels steps down

Melbourne Rebels have confirmed that head coach Dave Wessels has stepped down from his role.

The decision follows after the club endured a tough time after managing just three wins from eight games and missed out on the play-off.

Having worked with Western Force, Stormers, Brumbies and Perth Spirit, Wessels joined Rebels in 2017 and has a 44 per cent winning rate. Speaking in a statement released by the club, Wessels said he feels time has come for the club to have a new transition.

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

"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."

Melbourne Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson paid tribute to the contribution made by Wessels over the last four seasons.

"When Dave commenced the role at the end of 2017 it took a very special coach to lead our club through a period of intense change and he has done an almighty job to establish and evolve many foundations that the club will continue to build on in the future," Stephenson said.

"Dave developed Wallabies, identified and unearthed some elite talent, achieved the most successful seasons in the club's history amongst some very memorable victories.

"Dave's work ethic, detail, desire, generosity and leadership were hallmarks of his tenure."

Melbourne Rebels will now need to find a new coach ahead of the trans-Tasman competition that kicks-off on 15th May.