Rebels’ boss Paul Docherty milked millions from secret network

The collapse of the Melbourne Rebels rugby club and its chairman’s businesses have been linked to a “secretive” network which required strict confidentiality among members.

YPO Australia president Paul Docherty and his wife Georgina at a Sydney event held on-board Jackson superyacht.

A secretive network is at the centre of the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels rugby club and its chairman’s businesses.

Paul Docherty had boasted of leading the rugby franchise and a group of companies that had interests in manufacturing, medical equipment and a $600 million property development.

But his empire has crumbled, with the club and 10 of his businesses going into voluntary administration.

The business debts so far have totalled $70 million, while the Rebels were at least $9 million in the red when they went into voluntary administration this week.

Angry investors say that he recruited people from his Young Presidents’ Organisation (YPO) network.

Lyndsey Cattermole AM with former Australian Rugby coach Eddie Jones. Picture: Rebels Linkedin

“It’s secretive, but it becomes a big part of people’s lives. They invite your missus on holidays,” the source said.

The group has several rules, including strict confidentiality.

“They have this thing where they call it ‘in forum’ where they share all their secrets. Everything is on the table, warts and all, so it builds trust,” the source said.

Another source who is a member of the YPO said that the group discouraged members from doing business together.

“It’s meant to be separate,” the source said.

Mr Docherty was hanging on to his position as chair of the Rebels, which had collapsed less than a month out from the start of the Super Rugby season.

His company BRC Capital was the Rebels’ major sponsor.

Now the Victorian State Government was likely to be hit up for a bail out of the club, as cash strapped governing body Rugby Australia struggles to stay afloat.

Mr Docherty has not returned repeated calls this week about his companies’ finances or the financial situation at the Rebels.

Neither Mr Docherty nor the YPO members are accused of any wrongdoing.

Former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford invested with Mr Docherty’s businesses. Picture: Aaron Francis / The Australian

The former Port Melbourne warehouse for SmileStyler. Picture: Stephen Drill.

Rebels board member Lyndsey Cattermole was an investor in Mr Docherty’s company Hiro Brands.

Ms Cattermole was listed as a creditor on documents filed with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission.

She did not return calls this week or respond to questions about whether she was a member of the YPO.

Mr Docherty boasted he was the Australia and New Zealand regional chair of the YPO on his LinkedIn page.

“YPO is the premier global leadership organisation for more than 28,000 chief executives in more than 130 countries and the global community for them to engage, learn and grow,” he wrote.

“YPO members harness the knowledge, influence and trust of the world’s most influential and innovative business leaders to inspire business, personal, family and community impact.”

Victorian sports minister Steve Dimopoulos. Picture: David Crosling

Mr Docherty’s companies linked to Hiro Brands have more than $5 million owing to the Australian Taxation Office, documents state.

Westpac was also owed $11 million, with the bank attending a creditors meeting this month.

Mr Docherty’s home was listed in his wife Georgina’s name and has a caveat on it to businessman Matt Bailey.

Originally published as Rebels’ boss Paul Docherty milked millions from secret network