The Melbourne Rebels insist they haven’t entered voluntary administration but the move is potentially on the table for the financially-stricken Super Rugby Pacific club.
Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson addressed the playing group before training on Friday after reports emerged that the club, carrying debts of around $9 million, had formally entered into voluntary administration.
The club is believed to owe the Australian Taxation Office and about $1 million in hire fees for their home ground AAMI Park, managed by the state government’s Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.
A source said that Stephenson reassured the players that their contracts and salaries were guaranteed for the 2024 season, with their first game looming against the ACT Brumbies on February 23.
Melbourne have lured the likes of Wallabies star Taniela Tupou, who moved from the Queensland Reds, and former Test flanker Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who was playing in the UK.
The Rugby Union Players Association has also met with the players to reaffirm their payments would be met under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Stephenson also emailed club members saying the board was continuing to work with Rugby Australia on their financial situation and future.