Aussie Super Rugby outfit Melbourne Rebels confirm voluntary administration

That means the game's governing body in Australia will be working with the appointed administrator to make sure that the Rebels participate in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women's tournaments.

The Rebels are up to AU$9 million in debt and believed to owe the Australian Taxation Office about AUS$1 million in hire fees for their home ground AAMI Park, which is managed by the state government's Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust.

RA will also be focused on finding a workable professional rugby footprint in Melbourne that can be sustainable and commercially successful in the future.

RA chief executive Phil Waugh said his organisation will be supporting the Rebels' players and staff during this time.

"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," said Waugh.

"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."

Super Rugby Pacific's Super Round, which is set to take place on at AAMI Park in Melbourne from Friday, March 1 to Sunday, March 3, will not be impacted by the Rebels' administration.

Waugh said Rugby Australia would continue its talks with the Victorian Government in relation to the Melbourne Rebels' future.

"The Victorian Government has been a long-standing and significant supporter of professional and community Rugby," he 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."

Meanwhile, Rebels chief executive Baden Stephenson said the Super Rugby Pacific outfit are determined to fulfil its commitments for the 2024 season.

"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," he said.

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

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