Melbourne Rebels dump coach Damien Hill for Wallabies coaching co-ordinator Tony McGahan

NEW Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan's first order of business will be to retain star playmaker Kurtley Beale.

NEW Melbourne Rebels coach Tony McGahan's first order of business will be to retain star playmaker Kurtley Beale.

The sweeping changes at the Rebels continued yesterday with coach Damien Hill following Wallaby James O'Connor out the door.

The club consulted with McGahan before the decision to part ways with O'Connor.

Rebels chief executive Rob Clarke last night told the Herald Sun the series of announcements were the result of a lengthy process.

"I wouldn't use the word upheaval, I think everything we have announced in the last couple of days has been long-term planning," Clarke said.

"The coach review process has been extremely thorough and has taken many, many weeks to complete.

"The decision on James O'Connor similarly was very considered and done in the best interest of the club.

"To the outside world it might look tumultuous, but it has actually been carefully planned and executed around appropriate timing in our view."

It has been reported the NSW Waratahs have a strong interest in Beale, but they will not get him without a fight from the Rebels.

"He's obviously had his own personal challenges, but his welfare was put first by the club and he has gone and met those challenges head on and come through with flying colours," Clarke said.

"We would like to see him stay in the organisation. It is ultimately his decision."

After leaving Australia in 2005, McGahan had success in Japan and then spent seven years at Irish and European rugby powerhouse, Munster. He won Europe's Heineken Cup in 2006 and 2008, and also beat the touring Wallabies in 2010.

Clarke said McGahan would bring a 'no-nonsense' approach.

"Tony's credentials as a coach with international experience stood him in very good stead," he said.

"He has excellent credentials as a defence coach and defence is becoming a more important part of the Super (Rugby) environment.

"He is known for a very no nonsense and pragmatic approach to standards and discipline, which I think is a key ingredient as well."

Clarke said Hill took the news of his sacking like the "professional that he is".

"You can't be a coach in this sporting landscape without being prepared for these kind of conversations," he said. "As disappointing as it was for him, he took it on the chin and behaved impeccably."

The club expects Beale and O'Connor to play in what will be Hill's send-off game against the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Friday night.

Meanwhile, the IRB has dismissed Rebels winger Lachlan Mitchell's one-match ban.