- The Melbourne Rebels are in financial turmoil
- The future of Wallabies stars is up in the air
- Rugby Australia cannot commit to financial support
The playing futures of Wallabies stars Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway are up in the air amid reports the cash-strapped Melbourne Rebels have entered voluntary administration and require a bailout package of up to $500,000 to pay players and staff.
Less than a month after their season opener against the Brumbies on February 23, the Rebels have appointed external financial advisers, Sydney firm Wexted, to help pay off the club’s $9 million debt.
It comes amid reports that chairman Paul Docherty is set to resign as his own personal affairs falter with a debt of at least $70 million.
Rugby Australia remains committed to the Rebels playing in 2024, but the future beyond that could rely on a cash injection from the Victorian government as RA has refused to guarantee it will provide financial support.
No Rebels players or staff have been signed beyond 2025, including Tupou, who moved south from the Queensland Reds after the last Super Rugby Pacific season in a huge coup for the Melbourne team.
Melbourne Storm is in financial turmoil and the future looks unclear
Wallabies’ Taniela Tupou could be without a club due to money problems
Tupou was one of seven Rebels players, including scrum-half Carter Gordon, who went to the World Cup with the Wallabies last year before returning for pre-season.
Despite the financial crisis, a statement confirmed the Rebels would play in 2024, but the ‘next steps’ were yet to be determined.
“We are working with the rebels on their financial situation and immediate future,” the statement said.
‘Discussions are ongoing about options – and those discussions are confidential in nature.
“We are currently awaiting advice from the rebels’ external financial advisors before confirming next steps.
“We are committed to the participation of the Melbourne Rebels in 2024.”
Last December, a letter was sent to all players and staff assuring them that their jobs would be safe when reports emerged about the situation, including that the club was behind on payments to the Australian Taxation Office as well as stadium fees.
At the time, Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson dismissed negative reports about the club’s finances.
“I have absolutely no concerns about the continued tenure of the Melbourne Rebels. “Big things await us in 2025 (British and Irish Lions Tour) and 2027 (home World Cup), we have a lot to be proud of but also to improve,” he said in December.
Rugby Australia could not guarantee financial support after 2024
“But we’ll be fine.”
RA boss Phil Waugh has consistently said the main body is committed to five Australian Super Rugby franchises.
“We have said that we need to be present in five markets and in our largest markets, and that is why our intention is to continue on that path. Our intention is to have five teams in five markets,” he said last month.
Five teams are needed to fulfill the current TV deal, which expires at the end of the 2025 season.
Since entering the competition in 2011, the Rebels have never reached the Super Rugby final in 12 seasons.