Rebel owners to sue ARU - report

Players fight during the round eight Super Rugby match between the Rebels and the Brumbies. Photo / Getty

The Melbourne Rebels plan to launch a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the Australian Rugby Union.

The Australian newspaper is reporting the national body is trying to buy back the Super Rugby licence from them as it prepares to axe an Australian team from Super Rugby for next year.

The Western Force have also taken out an injunction and both clubs believe they have an airtight case for remaining in the competition.

There is a SANZAAR executive meeting in Tokyo this week when possible annoncements will be made about the new structure of Super Rugby which will be reduced from 18 to 15.