The Melbourne Rebels have issued proceedings in the Federal Court against Rugby Australia (RA) after they were axed from next year's Super Rugby Pacific competition.

Last May, RA announced the decision to cut the financially stricken Rebels after 14 seasons in Super Rugby.

The Rebels had accumulated a debt of almost $23 million prior to entering voluntary administration in January.

A consortium was established to save the Rebels but RA rejected its application, saying it "did not demonstrate sufficient financial viability".

The Rebels filed a statement of claim in the Federal Court on Wednesday.

Rebels directors released a media statement saying they were "seeking significant damages and indemnities" from RA.

They also wanted a "declaration that they are entitled to resume control of the Rebels so the team can continue to play in the Super Rugby competition".

"The Rebels are a member of Rugby Australia and had a legal expectation that they would not only be treated fairly but that they would be treated equally to other members," the statement read.

The Rebels said they were seeking an "urgent order" granting them "the right to inspect the Rugby Australia books".

They want to determine whether there had been "fiduciary and governance failures" and requested an "independent person to decide whether the conduct of Rugby Australia meets the standards required by law".

"There is no trust and confidence in the board and management of Rugby Australia," the statement read.

"Their conduct needs to be both exposed and explained."

RA announced last week the Rebels would not compete in next year's Super Rugby Women's competition.

"The conduct of Rugby Australia in destroying the Rebels – the men's and women's teams — demonstrates an appalling lack of judgement by the national body," the Rebels directors' statement read.

The statement added: "With backing from the Private Equity backed consortium, the Rebels can be back on the field at a new home in Tarneit in Melbourne's western suburbs as soon as the Court clears the path."

ABC Sport has approached RA for comment.

In May, RA said the Rebels had not been "independently financially sustainable" since their inaugural season in 2011 despite "significant additional investment" provided by the national governing body.

"RA does not take this decision lightly, however it must act in the best interests of the game and its stakeholders, and to provide certainty for the Rebels' players and staff, and all Super Rugby clubs in planning for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season," a statement read.