- Club’s fourteen seasons are over due to the debt crisis
- The rebels owe creditors more than $23 million
Rugby Australia has rejected an application from a consortium seeking to take over the Melbourne Rebels, with the decision to close the club after 14 seasons.
The news was relayed to staff and players on Thursday morning as the club prepared for a first-ever appearance in the Super Rugby final.
The rebels had been under administration since January this year and owed creditors more than $23 million.
A consortium led by business heavyweight Leigh Clifford came up with a plan to fund the club until 2030, subject to RA returning the license to them, with funding promises.
The Melbourne Rebels’ 14-year spell is over after the club came into administration in January (photo: Violin Ekuasi passes last Friday’s defeat to the Brumbies)
The Super Rugby side owes creditors more than $23 million (Photo: Rebels players react to their loss to the Brumbies last Friday)
But RA boss Phil Waugh said the identities of the consortium members had not been disclosed, their credentials could not be fully assessed and the lack of details available created an ‘unacceptable level of risk’ and the decision was made to close the club. .
“It is a testament to the players, coaches, team management and support staff that they have managed to put together such a competitive season on the pitch in extremely difficult circumstances. first time ever,” Waugh said.
“I would like to thank the rugby community for their patience and continued support of the code. Rugby Australia’s current focus is on supporting the affected staff and players at the Rebels.
Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh (pictured) delivered the shocking news on Thursday after the governing body rejected the team’s bid to stay alive
‘We have a plan that will ensure Rugby has a strong future in Victoria – the infrastructure and systems will remain unchanged despite the change to the professional game in 2025, and we will continue to look for opportunities to further that investment in the game in Victoria to increase. .
“As Australian Rugby evolves, we will consider the professional footprint of the game and how it best serves the game and Super Rugby.
“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria on major events for the future, and we look forward to the Wallabies taking on Wales at AAMI Park in July.
The axing of the club has left stars like Ryan Louwrens (pictured) with an uncertain future, despite the team being on the verge of making their first ever finals appearance
‘RA is evaluating tour play options for the British & Irish Lions Tour 2025, scheduled for Marvel Stadium on July 22, 2025, and is working with the Lions towards the successful delivery of that event.’
The decision leaves players in limbo, with RA and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) still discussing options for player movement within Australian rugby.
Players under contract with the Rebels until the end of 2025, including Wallabies star Taniela Tupou, have the option to play abroad while their contracts are void.
The Rebels will play their last match of the regular season against Fijian Drua on Saturday in Fiji.