Melbourne Rebels get stay of execution for 2024 season as Rugby Australia steps in

The Melbourne Rebels have been given a stay of execution to continue playing in this year’s men’s and women’s Super Rugby competitions after entering into voluntary administration.

The Melbourne Rebels have been given a stay of execution to continue playing in this year’s men’s and women’s Super Rugby competitions after entering into voluntary administration.

But the cash-strapped franchise has not been given any guarantees beyond this year, intensifying speculation the struggling club would finally be cut altogether or forced to merge with another team from interstate.

Rugby Australia (RA) issued a statement on Tuesday saying only that it was reaffirming its commitment to the cash-strapped Rebels to finish the upcoming season.

“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,” RA chief executive Phil 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.”

Rugby Australia chief Phil Waugh says they are committed to keeping the Rebels playing through 2024. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

RA said it would continue talks with the administrators and the Victorian government about the Rebels’ long-term future, but there was no mention in the statement of what might happen in 2025.

With the Rebels already in deep financial trouble, with debts of $9 million and needing $500,000 to pay the wages of players and staff just for 2024, the future looks bleak.

At the very least, a merger, possibly with the ACT Brumbies, might be the only way to save the Rebels.

Waugh says the Rebels’ players and staff would be paid while talks continue.

“The Victorian Government has been a longstanding and significant supporter of professional and community Rugby,” Waugh said.

“Through our strong partnership – forged through decades of staging major events in Melbourne – our focus is to work with the Victorian Government and its key agencies, including Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, to ensure the Rebels’ participation in the 2024 Super Rugby season and the continuation of professional rugby in the state.”

Melbourne Rebels chief Baden Stephenson says plans for the 2024 season were proceeding. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Melbourne Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson also sidestepped any mention of 2025 in his statement on the latest development, saying only that plans for the 2024 season – kicking off February 23 – were proceeding.

“Our focus as an organisation is to ensure we can deliver the 2024 season, perform well in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions, and to position our club in the best possible way for the future,” said Stephenson.

“Thank you to the Rebels’ players and staff, our partners, and especially the members and fans for their support and patience during this time.”

The Rebels joined Super Rugby in 2011 but have hardly fired a shot in all their time in the competition. Last season they finished second last on the ladder.

For years, Wallabies supporters have argued that Australia does not have the depth for five Super Rugby teams, because it meant spreading the talent too thin.

Originally published as Melbourne Rebels get stay of execution for 2024 season as Rugby Australia steps in