More Rebels head for the exit door

The Rebels will part ways with international players Gareth Delve and Ged Robinson.

Both of the foundation Rebels have fulfilled their three-year commitments with the franchise at the end of the season.

With over 80 Super Rugby caps between them, the Welsh international and Junior All Black will part the franchise with a lasting legacy.

Delve won the franchise's 'Pursuit of Excellence Medal' in 2012 and Robinson claimed the 'Spirit of Weary Dunlop Medal' in his rookie season.

Rebels CEO, Rob Clarke, spoke of Delve and Robinson's contributions to the franchise as a significant one, streaming well beyond the full time whistle.

"The Rebels were very grateful that the ARU allowed special dispensation for Robinson and Delve to remain at the franchise beyond their two-year window, as part of the international marquee rulings," said Clarke.

"Delve has been an inspirational leader since he arrived from the UK in 2010. We all know the impact Delve has had on the field, but what many people don't realise is the significant impact he has had within the Victorian Rugby community, travelling throughout Victoria promoting Rugby, visiting schools, clubs and local charities. He has been a true leader in the Five Star Engagement program.

"Robinson arrived and quickly stated himself as the franchise's standout rake. He has been a fantastic player and very passionate about the game here in the community and has really embraced Melbourne, playing in the local Dewar Shield Competition with Harlequins and supporting Diabetes Victoria, a charity that is very close to his heart."

Rebels coach Damien Hill echoed similar sentiments about the foundation Rebels.

"One of the franchise's finest moments was seeing Delve take the field in his beloved Welsh colours in Canberra. The fact that so many Melbourne supporters travelled to see him play shows the impact he has had on this city," said Hill.

"He has won some prominent awards in his time here at the Rebels and will be remembered as one of the greatest players to wear the five stars.

"That is what this franchise has been able to provide. The Rebels have given Delvey the opportunity to play for Wales again. It has given Robinson valuable Super Rugby experience, to return and challenge himself to fulfil a lifelong dream of becoming an All Black. Adding to this, what the Rebels have given our local players like Phipps, Vuna, Pyle, Neville and Inman who have all become a part of the Wallabies set up since the Rebels began.

"Knowing them both, they will want to leave this franchise winners and they have plenty more to play for, with the Lions match in June, and three local derbies against teams we have not beaten."

The in-form Robinson spoke of his love for the franchise and the city of Melbourne, with his ambition to play for his country the contributing factor in returning home to New Zealand.

"It is a boyhood dream to play for the All Blacks, so I want to go back and give it a crack and put my name in the hat," Robinson said.

"I would hate to look back on life and say I had a chance but didn't give it a go, so we will see how I get on over there. Playing regularly here has given me so much more confidence as a player and a person, and I am just so grateful to everybody at the Rebels for the opportunity presented to me.

"I never thought I would love a place outside New Zealand, and particularly in Australia, as much as I do now," Robinson jokes. "Playing for the Rebels has made my career. The players and the stadium are the best I have ever played in, or in front of, and I don't know if I will ever realise that again."

Robinson and Delve will join Nick Phipps and Wallaby tourist Richard Kingi who confirmed he will leave Australia to play for French glamour franchise, Stade Français, along with James King who also heads abroad.

"Richard is a very special player, his versatility is like no other in Australian Rugby," said Clarke

"He has been part of many great moments in this franchise's short history and we were all very disappointed to see his season cut short through injury last month."

"While James King has not taken the field for the Rebels this season, he has really developed over the past two years, leading the way for the Rebel Rising and in the Dewar Shield Competition.

"Off the field, James has had a massive impact in the community here in Victoria, in particular with the Schoolboys. His contribution off the field is amongst the highest at the franchise."