Rugby Union

Top man: Rebel Amanaki Mafi has won the players' award for a standout Super Rugby season.

Mafi wins Rebels players' award

Japanese back-rower Amanaki Mafi confirmed his importance to the Melbourne Rebels by claiming the players' award, while Victorian prop Fereti Sa'aga was rookie of the year.

Confident: Chief executive Baden Stephenson says the Melbourne Rebels will have a competitive squad next year.

Rebels stand firm on Super Rugby future

As it stands there are five sides and once the remaining two games of this season are completed, the Australian Rugby Union will belatedly announce one team won't return for 2018. The Western Force still appear the side likely to go.