Melbourne Rebels and Wallabies forward Scott Higginbotham has endorsed the club's sacking of Test five-eighth James O'Connor, saying it had to happen.

Higginbotham said the 12th-placed Rebels' move not to offer O'Connor a Super Rugby contract for 2014 had nothing to do with his playing ability but was the right decision for the club.

The Melbourne Rebels made the right call in not renewing James O'Connor's contract, says Wallaby teammate Scott Higginbotham. Credit:Mark Kolbe

"He has been an outstanding player for the club and he is a Wallaby. No one questions his playing ability," Higginbotham told reporters.

"It was more a selection issue and how the club felt he fitted into the team dynamic.