Melbourne Rebels to be shut down as Rugby Australia reject bid to keep them alive

After months of uncertainty the final call has been made on the debt-riddled Melbourne Rebels with their future decided.

Rugby Australia has rejected an application from a consortium seeking take over the Melbourne Rebels with a move to the courts the only possible saviour for the embattled club, which will be shut down after 14 seasons.

The news was delivered to staff and players on Thursday morning, as the club prepares for a first ever Super Rugby finals appearance.

The Rebels had been in administration since January this year with debts owed to creditors exceeding $23 million.

A consortium led by business heavyweight Leigh Clifford put forward a plan to fund the club until 2030 dependent on RA handing back the licence to them, with funding promises.

But RA said the identity of the consortium members had not been disclosed, their credentials were unable to be fully assessed and the lack of detail made available created an “unacceptable level of risk” and the decision was made to shut the club down.

“RA does not take this decision lightly, however it must act in the best interests of the game and its stakeholders, and to provide certainty for the Rebels’ players and staff, and all Super Rugby clubs in planning for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season,” a statement from the governing body said.

“Given the lack of detail made available to RA, the lack of transparency and the significant doubts over the Consortium’s proposed financial model, RA has determined that there is an unacceptable level of risk associated with entering into a Participation Agreement with this Consortium for the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.”

The Melbourne Rebels are getting shut down. (Photo by Kai Schwoerer/Getty Images)

RA CEO, Phil Waugh, said they remained committed to having a strong rugby presence in Victoria and would now focus on “supporting the impacted staff and players at the Rebels”.

“It has been a testament to the players, coaches, team management and support staff that they have managed to deliver such a competitive season on the field in extremely difficult circumstances – and we are looking forward to seeing the team fighting in the Finals for the first time ever,” Waugh said.

“I want to thank the Rugby community for its patience and ongoing support of the code. Rugby Australia’s focus right now is on supporting the impacted staff and players at the Rebels.

“We have a plan that will ensure Rugby has a strong future in Victoria – the infrastructure and the systems remain unchanged despite the change to the professional game in 2025, and we will continue to look for opportunities to increase that investment in the game in Victoria.

“As Australian Rugby evolves, we will consider the game’s professional footprint, and how it best serves the game and Super Rugby.

The Rebels will play their last regular season game this weekend. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)

“We will continue to work closely with the Victorian Government and Visit Victoria on major events for the future, and we are looking forward to the Wallabies taking on Wales at AAMI Park this July.

“RA is evaluating possibilities for the tour game for the 2025 British & Irish Lions Tour scheduled for Marvel Stadium on 22 July 2025 and is working with the Lions on the successful delivery of that event.“

The decision leaves players in limbo with RA and the Rugby Union Players Association (RUPA) still discuss options for player movement within Australian rugby.

Players who were contracted to the Rebels through to the end of 2025, including the likes of Wallabies star Taniela Tupou, have the option of playing overseas with their contracts now void.

The Rebels will play their final regular season game against the Fijian Drua on Saturday in Fiji.

Originally published as Melbourne Rebels to be shut down as Rugby Australia reject bid to keep them alive