Dan McKellar declares commitment as Brumbies chase fast restart

The ACT Brumbies and their Australian rivals have been constantly speaking with players in an attempt to calm nerves about rugby's financial future and the implications of a new broadcast deal.

Rugby Australia has suspended contract talks given the salary cap could be affected by whatever television deal officials can strike and the next iteration of Super Rugby.

The Brumbies have managed to secure the bulk of their squad and were in negotiations with several others before coronavirus shutdown the season in March.

There are fears players will be tempted to move overseas if the uncertainty drags on, but the Brumbies are confident they can keep their squad together as they prepare to relaunch the season on Saturday.

Coach Dan McKellar's future has also been up in the air, linked to an assistant job at the Wallabies after guiding the Brumbies to five wins from six games this year.

Coronavirus financial constraints will likely lead to McKellar working in a dual role for the Brumbies and Wallabies, declaring he will not walk away from the Canberra club.

McKellar confirmed there had been discussions with Wallabies coach Dave Rennie but there has been no official plans made to have him join the Test set up.

"As I've said all along, it's international rugby and a coaching group that's exciting. I think there are good times ahead for rugby in Australia and the Wallabies," McKellar said.

"I'm not going to say we can flick a switch and dominate the world, but the right people are there. I've had conversations ... but my first priority is here at the Brumbies.

"I'd be lying if I said working with Dave Rennie wasn't of interest. He's got a lot of experience and great ideas around the game ... but I'm not leaving the Brumbies. I've got a contract here until 2021, I won't be leaving. We've got a tight group here and we're starting to see the fruits of the work we've done and I won't be walking away. "

Asked about the season restart, he said: "It will be nice to get the rugby back on. People crave tribalism in rugby ... now we get it every week. If you can't get up for these games, then you shouldn't be here. We're excited."

Australian players have agreed to an updated pay deal, ending speculation the start of a 12-week domestic season would be derailed by threats to strike.

Players have had their wages reduced by an average of 60 per cent since the season was stopped, with the highest-earning players taking bigger cuts to minimise the impact for those on lower wages.

The Melbourne Rebels have relocated to Canberra to ensure the season can go ahead after a rise in coronavirus cases in Victoria, flyhalf Matt To'omua saying the players were willing to do what it takes to play games.

To'omua was a key figure in negotiations, saying he and other senior players felt they needed to stand up to offer their experienced voices.

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"It's our part for the game, it is a time for doing things for the greater good, and by no means do we feel like that's our job done. We still have high ambitions to win this tournament, as everyone does.

"I'm not saying we won't face our challenges without it. Things like homesickness, the novelty wearing off, the stresses at home of job losses. We will have to manage that, I'm confident we have the support network around our environment that we can, but it's a lot easier said than done.

"I'm a bit sick of that word 'unprecedented', but it is, so we will have to learn as we go and be open with each other. It's a little bit different to what we've faced in the past but I'm confident we've got the environment to help guys through that."

SUPER RUGBY AU ROUND ONE

Saturday: ACT Brumbies v Melbourne Rebels at Canberra Stadium, 7.15pm

Brumbies: 1. James Slipper, 2. Folau Faingaa, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Darcy Swain, 5. Murray Douglas, 6. Rob Valetini, 7. Tom Cusack, 8. Pete Samu, 9. Joe Powell, 10. Noah Lolesio, 11. Tom Wright, 12. Irae Simone, 13. Tevita Kuridrani, 14. Andy Muirhead, 15. Mack Hansen. Reserves. 16. Connal McInerney, 17. Scott Sio, 18. Tom Ross, 19. Tom Cusack, 20. Lachlan McCaffrey, 21. Issak Fines, 22. Bayley Kuenzle, 23. Len Ikitau.

Rebels: 1. Matt Gibbon, 2. Jordan Uelese, 3. Pone Fa'amausili, 4. Matt Philip, 5. Michael Stolberg, 6. Josh Kemeny, 7. Richard Hardwick, 8. Michael Wells, 9. Ryan Louwrens, 10. Matt To'omua, 11. Marika Koroibete, 12. Billy Meakes, 13. Reece Hodge, 14. Andrew Kellaway, 15. Dane Haylett-Petty. Reserves: 16. Efitusi Maafu, 17. Cameron Orr, 18. Jermaine Ainsley, 19. Trevor Hosea, 20. Esei Haangana, 221. Rob Leota, 22. Frank Lomani, 23. Andrew Deegan.