“I don’t take that lightly because it’s very proud for me to see younger Victorians coming through the pathways, and there are guys of 19 and 20 that are coming through now who are just like me when I came in.
“It’s awesome to be able to see younger players keep coming through, there are even guys that are starting rugby now that are six, seven and eight years old [in Victoria] that are going to continue playing.”
Rugby Australia and Rebels bosses assured fans the embattled club will take the field this season – but both fell short of making solid commitments beyond 2024.
RA chief executive Phil Waugh and Rebels counterpart Baden Stephenson confirmed in a statement on Tuesday the Super Rugby club had entered voluntary administration.
Speaking to this masthead, Waugh said RA will work closely with the melbourne club to explore all options during the voluntary administration period.
“We will be working closely with the Rebels’ administrator PwC, and with our advisors Deloitte, to have really constructive conversations to ensure we deliver 2024 as effectively and as efficiently as we can,” Waugh said. “And then looking forward, we will work diligently to explore what’s the most appropriate structure into 2025…
