Super Rugby saviours Melbourne Rebels hit with deja vu

A strange sense of deja vu has washed over the Melbourne Rebels camp after the Super Rugby club was forced to relocate to Canberra a week out from the opening round to avoid a Victorian lockdown.

About 55 players and staff carpooled to the capital last Friday in a player-led movement, refusing to take any chances ahead of their season opener against Queensland in round two.

The Rebels had hoped they would be able to return home after the five-day lockdown ended, but club boss Stephenson says they will do it all again if Victorian Premier Dan Andrews announces a snap lockdown at any point this season.

Stephenson admits the prospect of relocating to another state for the second consecutive season presents a huge challenge. Especially for those potentially kept away from their partners, their children and their families.

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Yet it stands as a testament to the club that they are willing to pack up and move for as long as they need to in a bid to save the Super Rugby AU season.

"It's probably a challenge with those who have got young kids and wives and families," Stephenson said.

"Last year we said we were going away for two weeks, and it was 13. Now we've told the players we're going away for five days and that could be anything.

"The younger guys are just as per the schedule, asking 'what are we doing? Where are we going?' Some of the guys had Rebels into Wallabies, players and coaching staff.

"It was a big six months away from home and they've only been back a month. It's definitely a challenge, but so far the guys have a great attitude.

"We'll be fine, as long as we can plan out our next run. If it can be black and white and you know what you're doing, then they adjust well. If it's grey and there is uncertainty, that's when anxiety lifts.

"The great thing about it is last time it was very much management-driven, because no one knew what was going to happen, or what to do. There was definitely a shift with our senior players taking the lead, having a voice and showing great leadership for the group. It's fantastic."