Northern Edition
Select Edition
Northern Northern
Southern Southern
Global Global
New Zealand New Zealand
France France

Melbourne Rebels launch lawsuit against Rugby Australia

Rebels players form a huddle in June after their final Super Rugby Pacific match (Photo by Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images)

The Melbourne Rebels are seeking “significant damages” from Rugby Australia in a lawsuit launched after the club was dissolved by the governing body. In a claim filed to the Federal Court on Wednesday, the club is seeking a declaration that it can resume control of the Rebels so the team can continue to play in the Super Rugby competition.

ADVERTISEMENT

“The Rebels are a member of Rugby Australia and had a legal expectation that they would not only be treated fairly but that they would be treated equally to other members,” the club said in a statement. “Amongst other things, the Rebels will assert that Rugby Australia has breached various sections of the Corporations Act.”

The club is also seeking that the court order Rugby Australia to open its books for inspection to determine claims it failed funding responsibilities for the Rebels, including when players were representing the Wallabies.

Video Spacer

WATCH: Chasing the Sun Season 2 Trailer | RPTV

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      Video Spacer

      WATCH: Chasing the Sun Season 2 Trailer | RPTV

      The brilliant Chasing the Sun 2, charting the inspiring story of the Springboks at Rugby World Cup 2023, can be watched on RugbyPass TV

      Watch now

      In the statement, the club said it believed there had been “unacceptable and unauthorised spending” by Rugby Australia, including during the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

      The Rebels claim Rugby Australia executives and directors continued to reassure it, and other teams, that a large private equity deal would provide a financial lifeline to the sport.

      “Rugby Australia did secure an $80 million loan facility, but they chose only to provide funding, indemnities or other financial support to the NSW Waratahs and subsequently the ACT Brumbies in preference to the Melbourne Rebels,” the club said.

      The Rebels were axed by Rugby Australia in May after entering voluntary administration five months earlier with debts exceeding $23 million. Many players and staff have since joined other clubs. Rugby Australia has been contacted for comment.

      ADVERTISEMENT

      Related

      ADVERTISEMENT
      Play Video

      South Africa vs Black Ferns XV | Women's International | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Namibia vs United Arab Emirates | Asia/Africa Rugby World Cup Play-off | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Lions Share | Episode 5

      Play Video

      Classic Wallabies vs British & Irish Legends | First Match | Full Match Replay

      Play Video

      Did the Lions loosies get away with murder? And revisiting the Springboks lift | Whistle Watch

      Play Video

      The First Test, Visiting The Great Barrier Reef & Poetry with Pierre | Ep 6: The Ultimate Test

      Play Video

      KOKO Show | July 22nd | Full Throttle with Brisbane Test Review and Melbourne Preview

      Play Video

      New Zealand v South Africa | World Rugby U20 Championship | Extended Highlights

      Trending on RugbyPass

      Comments

      3 Comments
      W
      Willie 296 days ago

      They may win the case against RA but it will not get them back into SR. The competition is better without them.

      O
      OJohn 296 days ago

      The Melbourne Rebels Kings Counsel charges $20,000 to $25,000 a day.


      He's no dummy, unlike Rugby Australia board members and staff.


      I think Rugby Australia are probably in big, big trouble.

      W
      Wayneo 296 days ago

      They should have listened to SA Rugby back in 2008/2009 when a big spat broke out between SA Rugby and the ARU & NZR after they ganged up to include the Rebels instead of the Kings.


      The then president of SA Rugby Brian van Rooyen said something to the effect that the Rebels were not feasible, as had already been proven with the previous inclusion of the Force He also mentioned that SANZAAR would get more broadcast revenue with the Kings, which they in fact did get a few years later when the Kings were included in SR.


      Brian van Rooyen was 100% right as to the Rebels feasibility in SR. Just on attendance alone, it ended up taking the Rebels 10 seasons to get the same attendance numbers that the Kings got in just their 3 seasons of SR.

      Load More Comments

      Join free and tell us what you really think!

      Sign up for free
      ADVERTISEMENT

      Latest Long Reads

      Comments on RugbyPass

      TRENDING
      TRENDING 'He’s grown': Andy Farrell explains selection calls for third Test Andy Farrell explains the thinking behind Ryan and Kinghorn calls