Rugby
‘Unacceptable risk’ – Rebels axed from Super Rugby Pacific as legal battle looms T
The Melbourne Rebels were dropped from Super Rugby Pacific after a consortium planned to take over the side was deemed as carrying “unacceptable risk”. The Rebels entered voluntary administration in January after running up debts of AU$23 million (£12 million). Players and staff were informed on Thursday before they boarded a plane for Fiji to play their final game before the Super Rugby finals.
Australian Super Rugby Pacific side Melbourne Rebels have been axed from the competition due to financial difficulties.
The Rebels entered voluntary administration five months ago, prior to which they had accumulated a debt of AU$23 million (£12 million).
Rugby Australia (RA) confirmed on Thursday that they had not accepted a proposal from a consortium to take over the club in 2025.
RA broke the news to staff and players before they boarded a plane to Fiji for the Rebels’ final round against the Fijian Drua. They are set to contest their first Super Rugby Pacific finals series this season, currently sitting seventh in the league.
The Super Rugby Women’s team of the Rebels is still uncertain about their future.
The consortium, led by Australian businessman and former Qantas chair Leigh Clifford, carries “unacceptable risk,” according to RA chief executive Phil Waugh and chairman Daniel Herbert, because of a lack of clarity in its plan.
Herbert stated, “We have been waiting for a while for the consortium to be able to provide us with as much precise and in-depth information as possible so that we can make a decision, and that wasn’t forthcoming to the satisfaction of what we would deem a reasonable level of risk.”
The consortium, led by Australian businessman and former Qantas chair Leigh Clifford, carries “unacceptable risk,” according to RA chief executive Phil Waugh and chairman Daniel Herbert, because of a lack of clarity in its plan.
Herbert stated, “We have been waiting for a while for the consortium to be able to provide us with as much precise and in-depth information as possible so that we can make a decision, and that wasn’t forthcoming to the satisfaction of what we would deem a reasonable level of risk.”
“It was clear through even their very ambitious financial modelling that there would need to be a very high risk of Once more taking over, RA will need to make large financial contributions to maintain the club.
The Rebels’ board, according to Herbert, had “let rugby stakeholders in Victoria down.”
He continued, “We are now six years away from the time that Rugby Australia provided an extra $6 million in funding and paid $13.8 million towards Rebels debts back in 2017.”
“Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in this franchise, more than in any other Super Rugby team.”
The Rebels said the following in the statement that the club released:
The Rebels’ board, according to Herbert, had “let rugby stakeholders in Victoria down.”
He continued, “We are now six years away from the time that Rugby Australia provided an extra $6 million in funding and paid $13.8 million towards Rebels debts back in 2017.”
“Tens of millions of dollars have been invested in this franchise, more than in any other Super Rugby team.”
The Rebels said the following in the statement that the club released:
“Everyone at the Rebels remains committed to, and passionate about Rugby in Victoria – and we will never stop advocating for and supporting the sport at all levels in this state. We urge all fellow Rugby fans to do the same…
“We are proud of our players, coaches, and staff in delivering such a successful season in the most challenging of circumstances.
“From everyone at the Rebels, a most sincere thank you to the members, fans, sponsors and partners of our beloved club over the last 14 years.
“To see the smiling and encouraging faces behind the Rebels at AAMI Park in 2024 has truly lifted the team and made us feel honoured to represent such passionate fans all season.
“We genuinely could not have got through the year without our fans – and we cannot thank them enough for what they have done for us.”
Businessman Leigh Clifford’s group insists that the suggested strategy was workable and plans to take RA to court.
According to Clifford, “this was a credible, financially feasible, and sustainable plan, independently vetted.”
“Rugby Australia’s actions to turn a blind eye and not negotiate on a common sense $18 million rescue plan have left the club with no choice,” said the Melbourne Rebels, who never wanted to go to court.
According to Herbert, RA does not want to go to court, but they do intend to hold their ground.
Businessman Leigh Clifford’s group insists that the suggested strategy was workable and plans to take RA to court.
According to Clifford, “this was a credible, financially feasible, and sustainable plan, independently vetted.”
“Rugby Australia’s actions to turn a blind eye and not negotiate on a common sense $18 million rescue plan have left the club with no choice,” said the Melbourne Rebels, who never wanted to go to court.
According to Herbert, RA does not want to go to court, but they do intend to hold their ground.
The British & Irish Lions and Australia will play their second Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground in 2025. The Rebels were supposed to play the Lions in a tour match at Marvel Stadium before that matchup.
“We are looking forward to the Wallabies playing Wales at AAMI Park this July, and we will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria on major events for the future,” Waugh stated.
“RA is working with the Lions to successfully deliver that event and is evaluating possibilities for the tour game for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour scheduled at Marvel Stadium on July 22, 2025.”
“We are looking forward to the Wallabies playing Wales at AAMI Park this July, and we will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria on major events for the future,” Waugh stated.
“RA is working with the Lions to successfully deliver that event and is evaluating possibilities for the tour game for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour scheduled at Marvel Stadium on July 22, 2025.”
