Rebels in fight to retain McMahon

Melbourne are doing all they can to stop Wallabies flanker Sean McMahon leaving for Japan but another rival for his signature looms closer to home.

McMahon will make a call on his playing future in the next few weeks with his most likely destination being Japan, where he’s been offered a million-dollar payday.

Melbourne’s future remains unclear, with the ARU still unable to provide a date for a decision on whether the Rebels or Western Force will be axed ahead of a downsized Super Rugby competition in 2018.

The 22-year-old says the uncertain future of the Rebels is having an impact on his decision but also revealed that if the Melbourne side was cut, returning home to Brisbane was his preferred option.

“If it came down to it the only other place I would like to head back to would be Queensland,” McMahon said.

“But I love Melbourne, I love the Rebels as a side and I love all the lads here.”

The Reds have a firm policy of never commenting on recruitment but are believed to be interested in the young work-horse.

McMahon, who made his first start of the season in their loss to the Waratahs on Sunday after overcoming ankle and knee injuries, didn’t want to discuss whether his future lay in Australia or overseas.

“I haven’t thought that far ahead and I’m not going to speculate on that at this point in time,” he said.

It’s believed both the Rebels and Reds are no chance of matching his Japan offer, with McMahon reportedly unhappy with the proposed Wallabies top-up offer.

Wallabies coach Michael Cheika flew him to Sydney to try to talk him around but didn’t convince McMahon he was a priority player, with an even chance of usurping first-choice flanker Michael Hooper.

The Rebels see McMahon as a future captain and face of the game in Melbourne and are prepared to do whatever they can to keep him.

They are willing for the 14-Test player to take on an ARU deal similar to Bernard Foley and Ben McCalman, who signed flexible contracts that allowed them to play in Japan as well as Super Rugby and be available for Test selection.

“The Rebels are more than happy to explore any flexible opportunities for him to return to play Super Rugby with a Japanese stint,” said Rebels rugby operations manager Baden Stephenson.

“He’s a key player and we want to build the club around him and others so we’re prepared to show him flexibility.”

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