Rugby Australia said Tuesday it would help the Melbourne Rebels to take their place in the 2024 Super Rugby competition after the debt-laden club went into voluntary administration.
The governing body said it would work with the appointed administrator to ensure both men’s and women’s teams would be able to field sides in 2024.
The Rebels are reportedly in more than AUS$10 million (US$6.6 million) of debt and the club formally entered voluntary administration on Monday night.
The men’s Super Rugby Pacific season begins in less than a month and the women’s kicks off in March.
Chief executive Phil Waugh said Rugby Australia would support the Rebels, whose men’s side are due to host the ACT Brumbies in their season-opener on February 23.
“Rugby Australia is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions,” Waugh said in a statement.
Rugby Australia is in dialogue with Victoria’s state government about the Rebels’ future, Waugh added.
“As custodians of the game, we are determined to ensure that RA is making responsible decisions for a sustainable and successful future,” said Waugh.
“We will work with the Rebels and the relevant stakeholders to that end.”
The Melbourne men’s squad includes Australia forwards Taniela Tupou, Matt Gibbon, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Sam Talakai.
“Our focus as an organisation is to ensure we can deliver the 2024 season … and to position our club in the best possible way for the future,” said Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson.
Melbourne will still host the “super round” from March 1-3 when all six Super Rugby Pacific fixtures that weekend will be played in the city.
