If the Rebels don't exist in 2018, there’s only one other Australian club Sean McMahon could see himself playing for - Queensland.
McMahon is off-contract at the end of 2017 and it has been speculated that the 22-year-old is on the verge of committing to a two-year deal in Japan.
The 22-year-old has played 14 Tests for the Wallabies, but with ARU top-ups already going to vice-captain Michael Hooper and David Pocock, it is believed the Rebels and ARU would find it difficult to match any overseas offers.
Before the overseas reports emerged, there was speculation the Reds were chasing the Queenslander hard in a bid to bring him to Ballymore, though they have a glut of backrowers on their books.
With the ongoing uncertainty around the club’s future, as the ARU continues to ponder which of the Western Force and the Rebels is cut, McMahon said the Reds would be the only other Australian team he could play for.
The Melbourne franchise released a statement on Friday night, with their owners adamant they would not be selling their licence back to the ARU if it meant the team being cut.
The Western Force have their own legal threats ready, having served a writ to the ARU warning of their intention to file an injunction if they become the club to be axed.
If the Rebels were no longer in Super Rugby next season, McMahon said Queensland would be the only other club in Australia where he could imagine himself playing.
"If it came down to it, the only other placed I'probably head would be back to Queensland," he said.
“But I love Melbourne and I love the Rebels as a side and I love all the lads here.”
McMahon said naturally the Super Rugby limbo was playing on players’ minds but said it was a bit of ‘wait and see’ at AAMI Park as the process continues.
“There's a lot of uncertainty here,” he said.
“Boys are trying to make decisions and stuff like that but you've just got to wait and see what's going to happen down the track, especially for a lot of the lads, a lot of the young lads here and see what happens with the team.
“It's a great team down here, we're a family - all from different places in the world and we just love it, we love Melbourne.”
The Rebels take on the Crusaders on Saturday night, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS and RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
