Sacked Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill blames alcohol-fuelled bust up between two stars for axing

OUTGOING Melbourne Rebels coach Damien Hill blames the alcohol-fuelled bust up in South Africa between two of his stars for his axing.

OUTGOING Rebels coach Damien Hill believes the alcohol-fuelled bust up in South Africa between two of his biggest stars was a ''major'' reason for his axing.

Yet the club maintains playmaker Kurtley Beale - the man who was at the centre of the drama - is a wanted player for next season.

Although Beale won't be selected on Friday night, with the club last night announcing he would continue his 'off-field program' in Sydney.

Yesterday, a reflective Hill - who will be replaced by Wallabies coaching co-ordinator Tony McGahan - admitted the infamous clash between Beale and Cooper Vuna contributed to his downfall.

''It probably was a major factor,'' Hill conceded.

Hill begrudgingly accepted that coaches are responsible for the actions of their players.

''At the end of the day, the behaviours of the playing group on and off the field - someone has to be held accountable,'' he said.

Beale and Vuna

''In sport, that is the head coach.''

While a low point for the Rebels' season, Hill said his proudest moment during his tenure at the club was the way his players responded following the sending home of the two players.

''The performances we put on the paddock over that six-week or seven-week period would have us sitting fifth on the ladder now.

''I regret that South African incident occurring but it really did tighten the group up and through that sort of adversity you get a better group of people and that's what happened.''

McGahan will take over a Rebels team that will be without Wallaby James O'Connor, who the club has decided to cut ties with at the end of the season.

The decision yesterday received the support of Rebels and Wallaby forward Scott Higginbotham, who is believed to be close to O'Connor.

''He (O'Connor) has been an outstanding player for the club and he is a Wallaby.

No one questions his playing ability,'' Higginbotham said.

''It was more a selection issue and how the club felt he fitted into the team dynamic. 

''With a lot of young guys coming through and new guys shining, it was a time start fresh. 

''It was a good opportunity and I think it's just what had to happen.''

Hill, who will coach his final game against the Highlanders at AAMI Park on Friday night, insists the club is heading in the right direction.

''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.''