There are fears for the future of Super Rugby’s Melbourne Rebels after up to $9 million in debt was revealed after a Rugby Australia inspection of the club’s books.
According to News Corp., RA is desperate to maintain five teams, but it cannot preserve the team. Nevertheless, it will do all within its power to prevent the team from collapsing.
However, the article indicated that there was at least a chance of a forced merger with the ACT Brumbies, who likewise have financial concerns.An RA spokeswoman stated, “We intend to continue having a footprint there in both provincial and Test rugby. Victoria is very important to Rugby Australia.”
“Together, we are overcoming the obstacles that the Rebels are facing right now.”
Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson declared the club will survive.
“We have big things coming in 2025 (the British & Irish Lions tour) and 2027 (the home World Cup); we have a lot to be proud of but also to improve on,” Stephenson stated. “I’m absolutely not concerned about the Melbourne Rebels’ ongoing tenure.””Since November 2020, we have been operating with reduced funding owing to Covid; undoubtedly, this has been difficult for all Super Rugby clubs. I have faith in my board of directors and leadership.
We’re not going to fold our hands and say, ‘Poor us,’ and just sit back. Our five-year collaboration with La Trobe University was only recently announced (on Monday).
The Rebels have a big tax bill that needs to be paid in three weeks, and one of their main sponsors, BRC Capital, is having financial difficulties.
No player or staff contract with the Rebels extends past 2025.
The southern state is essential to the future of the code because RA depends on money from the Victorian government, as evidenced by the large attendance during the Bledisloe Cup Test at the MCG last year.
