The debt-riddled melbourne Rebels will play out the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, but there is no long-term commitment to the club that entered voluntary administration on Monday night.
Rugby Australia confirmed it was committed to getting the Rebels, who have debts of about $9m and needed a $500,000 bailout to pay players and staff, through 2024.
But RA chief executive Phil Waugh gave no long-term commitment to the club, which could require financial assistance from the Victorian government to continue in both the Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions beyond this season.
RA said 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 said.
“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 take place in Melbourne over March 1-3 at AAMI Park,…
