Melbourne Rebels 2024
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stillmissit
John Thornett (49)
Amazingly stupid of them. They have known for months that this was coming. Here goes more millions that could have been saved. Judges don't like unprepared lawyers IMO.
It's probably tactical.
Rugby Australia sends their silk the draft statement of claim received in March and then the statement of claim when filed to "review". They don't actually brief him (sign a letter of engagement) until October 22.
They then (unsuccessfully) ask the court for a delay.
With the ATO looming over the Rebels directors, trying to delay action on the court case to try and make life more difficult for their adversary is pretty standard.
Rugby Australia sends their silk the draft statement of claim received in March and then the statement of claim when filed to "review". They don't actually brief him (sign a letter of engagement) until October 22.
They then (unsuccessfully) ask the court for a delay.
With the ATO looming over the Rebels directors, trying to delay action on the court case to try and make life more difficult for their adversary is pretty standard.
stoff
Trevor Allan (34)
Also the journo seems to have got the dates wrong. Looks like it’s actually 21 November.
Just getting better for everyone here...
stoff
Trevor Allan (34)
They would be RA emails most likely. It’s a sensationalist way to report on discovery (sharing of documents that are relevant to the proceedings).
The Ghost of Raelene
Tim Horan (67)
Yeah, it's ridiculous wording.
"Server containing sensitive financial emails that threaten to blow up the code"
Pull ya head in Clown.
Sir Arthur Higgins
Bob Davidson (42)
I'd prefer is the rebels at this point and their ex board members just f@cked off. there is no benefit here to anyone. the rebels aren't coming back. i'd love a team in melbourne, but this team failed and a good portion of that failure was inept management. fighting to reinstate a loss making entity without a record of any success. check your egos at the door - you did a shit job. own up to it.
LeCheese
Tony Shaw (54)
There is an immense financial benefit to the directors (relating to their penalty notices), and that is solely why this has progressed.
stoff
Trevor Allan (34)
Interesting. Not holding my breath.
When you think things couldn't get any messier, they just did. RA should be held “jointly or severally liable” for the multi-million tax bill, state Gilbert and Tobin lawyers who are acting for the Melbourne Rebels’ administrators, PwC.
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Wallaby Man
Nev Cottrell (35)
I always thought this was a strong possibility. Also liable for any debts potentially owed to 3rd parties. Many people trying to do some mental gymnastics and distance RA but they can’t be. It’s a weird one but because they essentially control the revenue streams of the Super Rugby participants, they control if they are allowed to trade or not (need approval and sanctioning to set up fixtures, etc.), they control an element of sponsorship by approving potential revenue streams (can’t have a conflict of interest with partners of RA), it’s very messy. But always thought they would be found guilty to have failed due diligence in having checks and balances in place on an entity that they are clearly a stakeholder in. Shared contracts is another element that will work against them.
Dctarget
Jason Little (69)
Are PwC impartial here? They're not representing the Rebels board are they?
This is grim, I think RA screwed the pooch but I really, really don't want to see them get stuck with the bill. Can't the ATO forgive the tax debt, pretty please?
IIRC the administrators were appointed by RA, and they sought independent legal advice through Gilbert & Tobin. They've sought advice from the ATO and reported back to the administrator. I'd concluded there's appropiate independence here.
What's more striking - the Australian aren't reporting opinion or feeling here; it appears to be fact (quote) from the authoritive source (legal advice).
It's shithouse for all and I hope it can be resolved, ideally with the return of the Rebels. Perhaps RA and work a little more with the consortium to enhance the relocation/bailout proposal. Could unlock funds to pay the tax liability?
Don't think they can wait for the Lions tour to get them out of this financial mess.
What's more striking - the Australian aren't reporting opinion or feeling here; it appears to be fact (quote) from the authoritive source (legal advice).
It's shithouse for all and I hope it can be resolved, ideally with the return of the Rebels. Perhaps RA and work a little more with the consortium to enhance the relocation/bailout proposal. Could unlock funds to pay the tax liability?
Don't think they can wait for the Lions tour to get them out of this financial mess.
Strewthcobber
Phil Kearns (64)
Does this mean the Reds and Force immediately stop paying their PAYG taxes for their players right now?
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