The debt-riddled Melbourne Rebels will play out the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season however there isn’t any long-term dedication to the membership which entered voluntary administration on Monday evening.
Rugby Australia confirmed it was dedicated to getting the Rebels, who’ve money owed of round $9 million and wanted a $500,000 bailout to pay gamers and workers, by 2024.
But RA CEO Phil Waugh gave no long run dedication to the membership which may require monetary help from the Victorian authorities to proceed in each the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions past this season.
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RA mentioned it was going to “focus on a viable professional Rugby footprint in Melbourne that can be sustainable and commercially successful in the future”.
“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,” Waugh mentioned.
“As custodians of the game, we are determined to ensure that RA is making responsible decisions for a sustainable and successful future – we will work with the Rebels and the relevant stakeholders to that end.”
The Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round, set to happen in Melbourne on 1-3 March at AAMI Park, won’t be impacted by the transfer into administration.
Among the membership’s money owed are charges owed to the stadium, which is run by the Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.
Waugh mentioned RA would proceed its dialogue with the Victorian Government in relation to the way forward for the Rebels.
“The Victorian Government has been a longstanding and significant supporter of professional and community Rugby,” he mentioned.
“Through our strong partnership – forged through decades of staging major events in Melbourne – our focus is to work with the Victorian Government and its key agencies, including Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, to ensure the Rebels’ participation in the 2024 Super Rugby season and the continuation of professional Rugby in the state.”
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson additionally may solely make clear that the membership was decided to fulfil its commitments for the 2024 season, with no phrase on something past this yr.
“Our focus as an organisation is to ensure we can deliver the 2024 season, perform well in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions, and to position our club in the best possible way for the future,” mentioned Stephenson.
“Thank you to the Rebels’ players and staff, our partners, and especially the members and fans for their support and patience during this time.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
