The Rebels have reiterated that they will not engage with the Australian Rugby Union over the sale or cancellation of their Super Rugby licence.

The ARU this week agreed to an emergency meeting to discuss the axing of one of its Super Rugby franchises, with both the Force and Rebels refusing to go down without a fight.

In a statement released on Friday, the Rebels remained steadfast in its assertion that the 'ARU has no legal right' to cut them from Super Rugby.

'The ARU must come out and publicly put an end to the speculation,' the statement read. 'For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, neither the Melbourne Rebels nor its owners will engage with the ARU in relation to the sale or cancellation of its Super Rugby licence.

'The ongoing speculation concerning our future has tested the resolve of the club, our sponsors, our members and our fans. The ARU actions are not only impacting our 2017 season, they are now impacting our 2018 season.

'The Melbourne Rebels are a key tenant in one of the world’s greatest sporting precincts and we intend on representing professional rugby in Melbourne for a long time to come.'

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