Melbourne Rebels 2025 and beyond...

[oztimmay]

2024 is over, and the pain is still there for many fans, but there is still plenty to discuss. Chief among the topics is the ongoing legal matter.

Feel free to any and Rebels / RugbyVic content here.

 

[oztimmay]

For those following the legal case, orders relating to the case can be found here: https://comcourts.gov.au/file/FEDERAL/P/VID1059/2024/order_list#;javascript:void(0);

 

[Crashy]

this is a going to be sadly a waste of time and money for all parties here. A sign is the surety needing to be put up.
Rebels were my second team and hope we see them back but when you have the ATO offside, you aren't starting from a position of strength.

 

[Adam84]

Yeah the only people who stand to benefit anything from this are the former rebels directors who are currently personally liable to the ATO for debts incurred whilst acting as director’s overseeing the Rebels losses.

it’s not a case for bringing the rebels back, it’s a case to relieve individuals of debt…

 

[Dctarget]

I'm as passionate as the rest of us and stubbornly think we got shafted. But time to move on, rugby (in Aus) can't afford this battle, you feel these few years are so vital for our survival, we need everyone on board.

 

[stoff]

My experience is that seeking security for costs is a standard move when dealing with entities that are subject to insolvency, a DOCA, etc.

 

[oztimmay]

Looks like they found the right part of PEP to subpoena for information. Enter PEP Capital Solutions Advisory Services to the conversation...

If I'm reading correctly, the PEP CSAS business is busily responding to the subpoena, update on 5 March.

Deloitte SRT lawyers now going through the inspections/review process.

https://comcourts.gov.au/file/Federal/P/VID1059/2024/3995751/event/32143346/document/2444539

 

[Mick The Munch]

What does this mean?

 

[Strewthcobber]

Just a bit of back and forth around discovery.

Mediation is due by 13 June 2025. Unlikely to be much happening publicly before then

 

[hawko07]

 

[oztimmay]

Also means they're finding the right companies to supoena information from, which should help the legal case for MRRU

SC is right - won't be much in the public domain until mediation occurs. Unless they wish negotiate a settlement prior to the Lions tour. Can't imagine this is a good look prior to a major incoming series.

What is also significant - RA haven't lodged a counter claim yet, as they foreshadowed back when the MRRU case was made public. I can't see any subpoenas for information from MRRU directors.

 

[oztimmay]

5 March update - Pacific Equity Partners (PEP) Capital solutions have submitted requested documented under subpoena. Both parties will inspect and report back for a hearing on 12 March.

Looks like they've found the right part of PEP for documents. Should be a fun week of reading for the MRRU Lawyers.

Also noteworthy was the absence of RA lawyers at the hearing. Is this typically a normal occurrence to ghost this type of hearing (fairly procedural by the looks of things).

Edit: with link to court orders: https://comcourts.gov.au/file/Federal/P/VID1059/2024/3995751/event/32155042/document/2449450

 

[Mick The Munch]

What do you speculate MRRU are looking for here?

 

[Strewthcobber]

The Rebels not only claim RA was aware of their financial situation at “all times”, but also that there is “extensive evidence” they were assured that a large private equity deal was imminent and would provide a financial lifeline to rugby in Australia

 

[oztimmay]

What SC said. Probably other things too, al to support a narrative of unconscionable conduct. Might explain why it's been hard to the find the right PEP company. Feels like a bit of a shell game.

Interested to understand Deloitte SRT role in all this. Their brochureware website indicates work on "End-to-end advisory solutions by Deloitte member firms help unlock and preserve value in mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, investigations and disputes". Whether that's pre or post voluntary administration, I dunno.

 

[Mick The Munch]

Thanks both - will grab the popcorn

 

[Strewthcobber]

Deloitte were hired in January to advise RA on their own restruture. When RA took on the Rebels licence after the Rebels declared insolvency and lost the Super Rugby licence, RA had to make a bunch of their own staff redundant (as well as work out the player strategy eg all of those Tahs who were let go to make room for the contracted Rebels players).

 

[stoff]

I was reflecting last night watching the AFL on how my sports viewing had changed since the demise of the Rebels. I hadn't particularly bothered with AFL and NRL whilst Super Rugby was running since high school. I always got back into it later in the season when there was less rugby to watch. With the demise of the Rebels this is the first time I haven't felt the need or the want to subscribe to be able to watch Super Rugby games in over 25 years. As of last night both the Storm and Hawks are flying and on top of their respective ladders. I've also had Melbourne United in the NBL Grand Final series. I'm well covered for compelling sport. I'm starting to wonder how hard it will be to get back up to speed by the time the Wallabies start playing, especially if the teams I've been watching for four months prior are still competing every week at a high level and challenging for premierships.

 

[Highlander35]

I'm much more invested in the European rugby and the esports world (much to the detriment of my sleep schedule)

 

[Sir Arthur Higgins]

You were interested in super rugby for the 15 years prior to the rebels existence tho?