Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill disappointed to be leaving but says club headed in right direction

OUTGOING Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill says the club is going places – he is just disappointed he won’t see it all unfold.

OUTGOING Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill says the club is going places – he is just disappointed he won't see it all unfold.

Hill will coach his final game against the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Friday night after being told Wallabies coaching co-ordinator Tony McGahan will replace him next season.

Speaking Tuesday morning, a pragmatic Hill said he was proud of his achievements at the Rebels.

"It’s disappointing – the club is really going places,” he said.

"We had an excellent back half of the season and I can really see promising things happening for next year as well.

"So for not to be part of it is disappointing, but the decision has been made and I need to move on."

Hill admitted he was surprised to be told he would not continue next season.

"I was very optimistic, to be honest," he said.

"I had a chat with the CEO (Rob Clarke) last week and got the response then."

The club consulted with McGahan before the decision to part ways with James O’Connor and attempt to retain star playmaker Kurtley Beale.

Hill said he had no issue with that.

"If that is the case, it is not to my knowledge," he said.

"James, for a number of reasons, has been spoken about many times on and off during the season.

"But if the decision for him to come on board had been already made then it would be fair for him to have an input."

The departing Rebels coach, who wants to stay involved in rugby, said he wished McGahan all the best.

"There’s no anger in that regard – he’s going to inherit a great young team," he said.

"It’s up to him to mould it into something better."

"I feel very proud of the rugby department’s development of these young players ," he said.

"The club is going on an upward direction and hopefully the changes off the field are just as positive."
McGahan will take over on August 1.