Brumbies legend Stephen Larkham has hit back at suggestions of a Super Rugby merger with the Melbourne Rebels, saying the club will only ever play out of Canberra.
With speculation rife about the future of the Brumbies, Rebels and Western Force, one mooted option has been to merge the Canberra-based franchise with the privately-owned Melbourne outfit.
"I think it's disappointing that people are even suggesting that," Larkham said.
The Canberra-born rugby great, who is in his final year as Brumbies coach, backed up comments by chief executive Michael Thomson that the nation's capital is the team's home.
"We support this region and the region supports us," Larkham said.
"The Brumbies will only ever play out of Canberra."
Larkham said the Brumbies had received no indication they would not be in Super Rugby next season, meaning the club should push ahead in the search for his successor.
"We've been the most successful Super Rugby franchise in Australia," Larkham said.
"Our books are good, our squad is strong and there's no reason why we can't push ahead for a new coach next year."
Cheetahs chief executive Harold Verster said earlier in the week he believed one Australian team and one South African team would be cut from the competition.
But Larkham said his remarks were speculative.
"The decision hasn't been made at the top level," he said.
"CEOs from South African franchises throwing statements out there - it's people speculating as to what's going to happen.
"Until something happens we believe we're going to be here next year."
Larkham said he understood why an announcement was being drawn out with a range of stakeholders involved.
He said the players had a track record of focusing on playing the game rather than buying into off-field distractions.
"If there's no decision and it's lingering on, they'll still have the same focus of game preparation," Larkham said.
