The directors of defunct rugby union club Melbourne Rebels are seeking $30 million from Rugby Australia as part of a damages claim launched in the Federal Court over the demise of the club.The directors also want the court to return control of the Rebels to them,

The Melbourne Rebels have proceeded with legal action against Rugby Australia following their axing from Super Rugby Pacific earlier this year.

The court case comes five months after former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford declared war against the governing body.

Directors of the defunct Melbourne Rebels have accused Rugby Australia of significant breaches of the Corporations Act in a bold bid for $30 million as part of a damages claim launched in the Federal Court.