 They achieved their first ever overseas victory against the Crusaders and 5 Rebels were selected for a preliminary Australia squad in July.At the conclusion of the 2015 season the Rebels were sold to Imperium Sports Management led by Andrew Cox.The 2016 season started with the Rebels signing two local talents, Sione Tuipulotu and Rob Leota, who would become the first players to come from the Victorian rugby system to play for the Rebels.