0
THE Melbourne Rebels are confident they can retain Danny Cipriani and Nick Phipps as they try to build on their encouraging debut Super Rugby form.
Coming off two wins and the bye, the Rebels will welcome back several players from injury for Friday night's away match against the Highlanders.
Cipriani is understood to be attracting interest from European clubs, while the Waratahs could target Phipps to replace their France-bound No. 9 Luke Burgess.
While Rebels coach Rod Macqueen would not comment on speculation linking his club to Wallaby James O'Connor, he was happy to talk up the potential retention of Cipriani and Phipps.
"This time of year, you get all those reports coming through," Macqueen said before Tuesday's training.
"We are talking to some players, obviously we've got to think about succession planning. I think you'll find Phipps and Cipriani are pretty secure.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226038083856