The team represented the rugby community in Victoria and was organised and managed by Rugby Victoria with the coaching and training programs used by the Melbourne Rebels being extended to players joining the team from the Rebels, the local Dewar Shield competition, and local Victorian juniors.

In 2004, a consortium led by the Victorian Rugby Union entered the bidding process for a licence in the Super 14 competition to get a team in Melbourne for the 2006 season.

The Australian Rugby Union announced the new, eight-team national competition after setting up a consultative process in 2006 which culminated in a working session of some 70 delegates from around the country.

[6] It was reported that New South Wales gave up a fourth team to enable Victoria to participate in the new national competition.

The Rebels' jersey had traditional navy blue and white hoops, the colours of the Victorian Axemen side that represented Victoria in the Australian Rugby Shield.

[10] At the official launch of the team's name and jersey on 29 March 2007, former Wallaby Chris “Buddha” Handy said: Like the great Weary Dunlop, Victorian rugby has a history of daring to be different, a touch of the larrikin, and always having a go.

The Melbourne Rebels played their first home match in front of 4,875 people at Olympic Park the following week, beating the East Coast Aces.

After finishing fourth on the league table, the Rebels defeated the minor premiers Western Sydney in their semi-final 23 to 3.

The Melbourne team was defeated by the Central Coast 20 points to 12 in the Grand Final, finishing runners-up in the competition.

[1][21] Nic Stirzaker was named as captain with Mitch Inman, Patrick Leafa and Pom Simona in the team's leadership group.

[27] The squad for the 2019 NRC season: Notes: National Rugby Championship Australian Rugby Championship (Rebels) Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks Props Hookers Locks Loose forwards Scrum-halves Fly-halves Centres Wingers Fullbacks