Key Wallabies duo at risk as Melbourne Rebels set to enter voluntary administration – report

The Melbourne Rebels will reportedly go into voluntary administration as they seek AU$500,000 assistance to pay players and staff in addition to their existing AU$9 million debt.

This throws the futures of key Wallabies Andrew Kellaway and Taniela Tupou amongst others in doubt.

The club has appointed Sydney-based firm Wexted as an external financial advisor to assist with the debt situation, with chairman Paul Docherty set to stand down from his position as another business under his name heads for financial turmoil.

Tupou is yet to represent the club having only made the switch from the Queensland Reds, who he represented on 88 occasions. The move was meant to signal intent from the Rebels and make a push for a better finish in the tournament.

Will play in 2024

Rugby Australia (RA) insists the Rebels will be playing Super Rugby Pacific in 2024 but after that, it remains up in the air with no players or staff contracted beyond 2025.

Any assistance beyond that point would have to come from the Victorian Government who are reportedly interested in hosting the Rugby World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground that seats over 100,000. For that to happen it would be important for the Rebels to remain afloat and keep their national foothold in the rugby sphere.

Chief executive of the RA, Phil Waugh, confirmed the governing body is committed to fielding five teams in Super Rugby Pacific which aligns with their TV deal ending in 2025

“We have said we need to have presence in five markets, and our biggest markets, and so it is our intent to continue on that path. It is our intent to have five teams in five markets,” he said last month.

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