Rugby Australia takes over Rebels after administrators called in
Melbourne side saddled with debt of more than $6.61m
30 January 2024 - 15:00
byIAN RANSOM
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Melbourne — Rugby Australia (RA) has taken over the Melbourne Rebels after the ailing club entered into voluntary administration weeks before the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Rebels have struggled with financial problems for years and are saddled with debts of more than A$10m ($6.61m), the Australian Financial Review reported.
RA said it is working with the appointed administrator to ensure the club will take the field in 2024.
“RA is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions, and we will support their preparation for the new season,” RA boss Phil Waugh said in a statement on Tuesday.
“As custodians of the game, we are determined to ensure that RA is making responsible decisions for a sustainable and successful future — we will work with the Rebels and the relevant stakeholders to that end.”
The Rebels open their season with a home match against the ACT Brumbies on February 23.
Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said the club is determined to fulfil its commitments for the 2024 season.
The Rebels joined Super Rugby in 2011 but have struggled to maintain a foothold in the nation’s second-biggest city, which is dominated by Australian Rules football.
Barring the Covid-19-hit 2020 season, when the Rebels finished third in the domestic Super Rugby AU competition, the team has never reached the playoffs and finished 11th in 12-team Super Rugby Pacific in 2023.
RA have previously stepped in to manage the Rebels, propping up the club for two years from 2013-15 before it returned to private ownership.
The government of Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has helped support the Rebels in recent years by committing funding to RA in exchange for Wallabies tests.
RA said it will “continue dialogue” with the government about the Rebels’ future.
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Rugby Australia takes over Rebels after administrators called in
Melbourne side saddled with debt of more than $6.61m
Melbourne — Rugby Australia (RA) has taken over the Melbourne Rebels after the ailing club entered into voluntary administration weeks before the start of the Super Rugby Pacific season.
The Rebels have struggled with financial problems for years and are saddled with debts of more than A$10m ($6.61m), the Australian Financial Review reported.
RA said it is working with the appointed administrator to ensure the club will take the field in 2024.
“RA is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions, and we will support their preparation for the new season,” RA boss Phil Waugh said in a statement on Tuesday.
“As custodians of the game, we are determined to ensure that RA is making responsible decisions for a sustainable and successful future — we will work with the Rebels and the relevant stakeholders to that end.”
The Rebels open their season with a home match against the ACT Brumbies on February 23.
Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson said the club is determined to fulfil its commitments for the 2024 season.
The Rebels joined Super Rugby in 2011 but have struggled to maintain a foothold in the nation’s second-biggest city, which is dominated by Australian Rules football.
Barring the Covid-19-hit 2020 season, when the Rebels finished third in the domestic Super Rugby AU competition, the team has never reached the playoffs and finished 11th in 12-team Super Rugby Pacific in 2023.
RA have previously stepped in to manage the Rebels, propping up the club for two years from 2013-15 before it returned to private ownership.
The government of Victoria state, of which Melbourne is the capital, has helped support the Rebels in recent years by committing funding to RA in exchange for Wallabies tests.
RA said it will “continue dialogue” with the government about the Rebels’ future.
Reuters
Bulls lucky to win against Lions, says Jake White
GAVIN RICH: Build your squad on a base of experienced players
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.