The Melbourne Rebels entered into voluntary administration last night with the debt-ridden Super Rugby club receiving support from Rugby Australia.
Executives from the Rebels called in insolvency firm Wexted Advisors last Thursday with SMH reporting that the Rebels has debts amounting to around $9 million – owing millions of dollars to the Australian Taxation Office and about $1 million in fees for use of AAMI Park stadium, managed by the state government’s Melbourne & Olympic Parks Trust.
Rugby Australia has today affirmed its commitment to Rugby in Victoria and will now work with the appointed administrator to ensure the Melbourne Rebels take the field for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions.
As Rugby Australia works with administrators, it will also focus on a viable professional Rugby footprint in Melbourne that can be sustainable and commercially successful in the future.
Rugby Australia Chief Executive Phil Waugh says the Rebels’ players and staff will be supported through this time.
Waugh shared “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.
“As custodians of the game, we are…