Private equity-backed consortium swoop to save Super Rugby side in dire straits before expulsion
Melbourne Rebels players celebrate their Super Rugby Pacific win over the Waratahs.
The Melbourne Rebels’ status as a professional rugby union franchise, which is under administration, could be a thing of the past after it was revealed that they are set to receive a huge financial investment.
It was confirmed at the end of January that the Rebels had entered voluntary administration after reporting debts in excess of AUS$23 million with AUS$11 million owed to the Australian Tax Office.
At the time of the announcement of their voluntary administration, Rugby Australia (RA) chief executive Phil Waugh said: “RA is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions.”
Facing expulsion
That meant the Rebels were facing expulsion ahead of the 2025 Super Rugby Pacific season.
However, reports from Australia have now confirmed that a private equity-backed consortium led by former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford are close to raising AUS$30 million to invest into the struggling Super Rugby Pacific outfit.
The Rebels looked set to finish their current campaign and then dissolve after entering into voluntary administration.
However, they are now on the brink of receiving the financial lifeline needed to keep them alive and under the deal with the private equity-backed consortium the Rebels are set to leave their AAMI Park headquarters and move to Melbourne’s western suburbs where a 15,000-seat stadium is being built in Tarneit for A-League football club Western United.
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“This would be the game changer that the Melbourne Rebels and the sport of rugby desperately needs in Victoria,” said consortium spokesperson and Melbourne Rebels director Georgia Widdup via a press statement on Wednesday.
“We have an exciting vision and a detailed, common-sense plan to grow the sport of rugby in the fastest-growing municipality in Australia.
“The Rebels are committed to the women’s game, the Pasifika community and important programs for the western region’s youth and this move will enable us to significantly expand these critical areas.
‘Opportunity to grow rugby’s grassroots supporter base’
“This is an opportunity to grow rugby’s grassroots supporter base and attract significant new private investment to make the game sustainable into the future.
“We are passionate about keeping rugby in Victoria but we realise for the Rebels and the sport generally to thrive we need to innovate and be smarter.”
The Rebels are currently in sixth position on the Super Rugby Pacific table after winning three out of their six matches in the competition.
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