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Furious Rebels reiterate defiant position over Super Rugby cull
By Harry West
Melbourne Rebels have again implored the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to end speculation surrounding cuts from Super Rugby, and will refuse to entertain such a notion with the governing body.
Super Rugby's 18-team format will be ditched next season, with two South African franchises and one from Australia to make way.
The ARU confirmed last month that the Rebels and Western Force were the only ones from five available teams being considered.
Western Force, owned by the ARU, are thought to be the likeliest side to go, but the Rebels remain furious with the ARU's handling of the matter and released a fresh statement on Friday following their earlier expression of disgust last month.
"The Melbourne Rebels wish to reiterate its clear legal position that the ARU has no legal right to "cut" them as a team in the Super Rugby Competition," Friday's statement read.
"The ARU must come out and publicly put an end to the speculation. For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, neither the Melbourne Rebels nor its owners will engage with the ARU in relation to the sale or cancellation of its Super Rugby licence.
"On 10 April 2017, Cameron Clyne Chairman of the ARU announced that either the Melbourne Rebels or the Western Force would be "cut" within 48-72 hours despite having no contractual or legal ability to do this.
"The Melbourne Rebels made a statement on Good Friday of its position and requested that the ARU come out and immediately state that it could not 'cut' the Rebels. We are now five weeks further into the 2017 season with no statement from the ARU. The ongoing speculation concerning our future has tested the resolve of the club, our sponsors, our members and our fans. The ARU actions are not only impacting our 2017 season, they are now impacting our 2018 season.
"The Melbourne Rebels are a key tenant in one of the world's greatest sporting precincts and we intend on representing professional rugby in Melbourne for a long time to come. The Melbourne Rebels acknowledge the strong support given by the Victorian Government to the club and rugby in the state.
"We ask our fans, supporters and members to get behind the Melbourne Rebels and demonstrate that rugby is alive and thriving in Melbourne, Victoria, the sporting capital of the world, at our next home game against the Crusaders on Saturday 27 May.
"We thank them all for their ongoing support and encourage them to continue to stand with us."
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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