Once considered a future Wallabies coach,the Rebels struggled since Wessels joined the organisation from the Western Force in 2018.
The franchise has played just one finals match – in last year’s shortened Super Rugby AU season – and will enter the final round of this season needing the Queensland Reds to beat the Force if they’re to sneak into third position with a win against the Waratahs on Saturday.
If the Reds beat the Force and Melbourne can beat the Waratahs,the Rebels must then upset the Brumbies in Canberra in a preliminary final in order for Wessels to remain in charge during Super Rugby Trans-Tasman.
Failure to win either of the next two matches and assistant coach Kevin Foote is likely to be given the chance to coach the franchise on an interim basis against the five New Zealand sides.
Sources with knowledge of the situation told theHeraldRebels players are in favour of Foote taking charge if Wessels is shown the door.
Sources say there is agitation for change on the Rebels board and that Wessels is unlikely to receive a contract extension.
If the Rebels win their next two matches and Wessels remains in charge,he will be under pressure to produce wins against New Zealand opponents. Wessels did not return calls on Wednesday.