Rebels players and staff are currently in Ballarat for a pre-season camp, which kicked off on Monday and will conclude on Thursday.

Players were spotted having fun on go-karts in Wendouree on Tuesday, which was used as a rest day after intense training on Monday.

At the conclusion of Wednesday’s session at St Patrick’s College – which will be held about 10am – Melbourne Rebels head coach David Wessels and back Reece Hodge will speak to media.

The Rebels have visited Ballarat for pre-season camps in recent years and teammates Michael Ruru and Matt Philip were involved in a heated battle last January.

The fight at training left Philip with blood on his face and saw him leave the field to get his head bandaged.

Following the current camp, the Rebels will return to Ballarat for a practice match against the Queensland Reds on Friday, February 1.

This will be their last hit-out before the season proper.

The clash is scheduled for Mars Stadium and will be the first non-AFL elite sporting event played at the venue since its multi-million dollar redevelopment.

Melbourne’s 2019 Super Rugby campaign will open with a round one clash against the Brumbies on Friday, February 15.

The side’s first home game at AAMI Park is on Friday, March 1 against the Highlanders.