The melbourne Rebels have denied that they have entered voluntary administration, but the move is potentially on the table for the cash-strapped Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
According to an AAP report, the Rebels’ chief executive Baden Stephenson spoke to the team’s players ahead of training on Friday after it was reported earlier in the week that the club, who are up to AU$9 million in debt, had formally entered into voluntary administration.
The Rebels is believed to owe the Australian Taxation Office about AUS$1 million in hire fees for their home ground AAMI Park, which is managed by the state government’s Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.
Players reassured about contracts and salaries
A source told AAP that Stephenson reassured the Rebels players that their contracts and salaries were guaranteed for the 2024 season, with their first Super Rugby Pacific game set to take place against the Brumbies at AAMI Park on Friday, February 23.
There were concerns about the futures of Rebels players like Wallabies front-row Taniela Tupou, who joined the club in the off-season from the Reds, and former Test back-row Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who made the move from Premiership outfit Northampton Saints.
The Rugby Union Players…
