Welsh lock says Rebels welcome abroad

Melbourne's Welsh international Dom Day believes his Rebels teammates would be welcome in any European club if they weren't wanted in Australian rugby.

And those clubs might come calling if the Rebels are cut from a downsized Super Rugby competition at the end of this season, with the Australian Rugby Union soon to decide between them and the Western Force.

The 31-year-old lock, with three Test caps and a member of Wales' 2015 World Cup squad, is headed to English club Saracens after one season in Melbourne.

Day said it was tough to think the Rebels might no longer exist.

"They are definitely worthy of being in the competition," Day said.

"I've played a lot of rugby and I'm now at the tail end but I see so much talent in this team.

"For the team not to be here in a couple of months is tragic and we need to fight for it."

Day said he would happily be a reference for any Rebel who wanted a start overseas.

"There's guys here I'd have in my team every week - they are world-class players and I'd love to play with them," he said.

Day had an unhappy start to his Rebels career, arriving in Melbourne with a shoulder injury and then lasting less than a minute in his debut match before leaving the field with a head knock.

He's set to take his place in the Rebels' line-up against Queensland on Saturday night at AAMI Park.

Day said he couldn't recall such an injury toll at a club he'd played with, with 15 players still sidelined.

"It's been a perfect storm of injuries, which has been really frustrating," he said.