Melbourne Rebels 2024

[Rebel man]

Here’s the thing, we have our first trail game tomorrow get down and show that we give a shit about rugby. If you had plans to take the misses on a date, take her to the rugby. If you planned to take the kids out, take them to the rugby, if you are going to the nursing home to take a parent or grandparent out take them to the rugby

 

[Highlander35]

Its better than no melbourne team at all

Pretty much.

I understand others may feel different, but my attachment to the Rebels is solely due to the opportunity to attend professional rugby in my own city, and the professional pathways that they provide to Victorian Juniors.

So long as there's something resembling continuity, and not some half hearted attempt at something else 6-18 months after death, they don't need to be entirely (hell even predominantly) Australian, or run primarily through Rugby Victoria, or retain the name and/or colours to do that.

 

[Members Section]

Here’s the thing, we have our first trail game tomorrow get down and show that we give a shit about rugby. If you had plans to take the misses on a date, take her to the rugby. If you planned to take the kids out, take them to the rugby, if you are going to the nursing home to take a parent or grandparent out take them to the rugby

There's more chance of the rebels making a profit than her rocking up

 

[Rebel man]

There's more chance of the rebels making a profit than her rocking up

Just pack a picnic basket, picnic rug and surprise her with the destination

 

[Drew]

Just pack a picnic basket, picnic rug and surprise her with the destination

Spoken like a true romantic

 

[Members Section]

Just pack a picnic basket, picnic rug and surprise her with the destination

The problem is I like her

 

[Rebel man]

The problem is I like her

Happy wife happy life I guess

 

[KevinO]

Happy wife happy life I guess

I met my wife at the pub before a rising game, so at least she understands as her first experience meeting me was as a drunk rugby supporter. Doubt she realized it would mean lots of late nights early mornings for me watching Munster and Ireland though.

 

[Braveheart81]

Why not? Why does it matter that much where say half the players come from if they're living in and playing for your city/region and showing pride in the jersey etc? If you look at most of the biggest sports clubs in the world they don't have many locally produced players at all, and it doesn't affect their support.

It would only help the situation if there was funding from World Rugby and/or PacificAus Sports that wouldn't be there otherwise.

In the situation where you're still the Melbourne Rebels playing all your home games in Melbourne but getting let's say, an additional $1m a year to help fund the team on the basis that half your squad are eligible for Samoa/Tonga/Fiji then it might be a benefit.

 

[Members Section]

It would only help the situation if there was funding from World Rugby and/or PacificAus Sports that wouldn't be there otherwise.

In the situation where you're still the Melbourne Rebels playing all your home games in Melbourne but getting let's say, an additional $1m a year to help fund the team on the basis that half your squad are eligible for Samoa/Tonga/Fiji then it might be a benefit.

Would need WR (World Rugby)/Vic Govt./Pac aus/Samoan tourism board. & would still struggle to make a profit. None of the clubs are making the big dollars. The Tahs handed the keys in, The brums are in trouble, the force are backed by a billionaire & the Reds have a sustainable platform going but its not making mega money.

 

[Rebel man]

I met my wife at the pub before a rising game, so at least she understands as her first experience meeting me was as a drunk rugby supporter. Doubt she realized it would mean lots of late nights early mornings for me watching Munster and Ireland though.

I remember going to rising games, good times

 

[Marce]

The national team success is based on the Jaguars, who had four full seasons together before disbanding.

2007 RWC was a semi-professional model with all the elite players playing in Europe. The same structure for the 2023 semifinal. In fact, the 2019 disaster was with a full professional Jaguars program, few months before 2019 RWC the Jaguars played the Super Rugby grand final against Saders and then couldn't reach the RWC quarter finals

 

[dru]

It would only help the situation if there was funding from World Rugby and/or PacificAus Sports that wouldn't be there otherwise.

In the situation where you're still the Melbourne Rebels playing all your home games in Melbourne but getting let's say, an additional $1m a year to help fund the team on the basis that half your squad are eligible for Samoa/Tonga/Fiji then it might be a benefit.

Would $1m fully make up for two lost home games? Income from games in the Pacific would be minimal to nothing (especially once you add costs).

 

[Braveheart81]

Would $1m fully make up for two lost home games? Income from games in the Pacific would be minimal to nothing (especially once you add costs).

It wasn't an overly serious suggestion and it was done on the basis of the Rebels still playing all their home games in Melbourne.

If two games were in Samoa etc. I don't know what the cost would be that would make it viable.

 

[oztimmay]

Lates Baden update
---

As promised in my communication to you over the past weeks, I am writing to keep you informed about important news regarding the future of our beloved Club.

As you now know, after careful consideration and consultation, the Melbourne Rebels Board have made the difficult decision to enter voluntary administration earlier this week.



Please know that this decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the Melbourne Rebels.

We are committed to addressing our financial challenges head-on and are confident that this process will ultimately strengthen our Club and position us for future success.



The below statement has been issued by PwC, the appointed Voluntary Administrators:



"As you may be aware, we were appointed Joint and Several Administrators of the Club on 29 January 2024 pursuant to Section 436A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Despite our appointment, we are working with the Melbourne Rebels executive team and Rugby Australia (RA) to secure the future of the club. We have been pleased to receive early support from RA, notably the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phil Waugh, who has publicly stated that:

"RA is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions and, we will support their preparation for the new season".

Should you have any further questions in relation to the Administration of the Club, please direct them to membership@melbournerebels.com.au. We will prepare a 'Frequently Asked Questions' piece which will address members' concerns that are raised through this forum.

If you wish to register as a creditor of the Club, a copy of our initial notice to creditors can be found at the attached link Melbourne Rebels - Initial Notice to Creditors"




Invitation to attend online forum:
Our commitment is to keep you informed and we invite you to join us for an online forum to discuss the impact of voluntary administration and share your valuable insights as we navigate this challenging but crucial phase together. Baden Stephenson, Kevin Foote and representatives from PwC will be in attendance to answer questions.

When: Monday 5th February
Time: 5:30pm
Link : Webcast Link

Throughout this period, our priority remains our loyal members, and we assure you that we will continue to communicate openly and transparently every step of the way. Your support means everything to us, and we are grateful for your unwavering dedication to our Club.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time of transition. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.



Best Regards,
Baden Stephenson | Chief Executive Officer
Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union

 

[oztimmay]

I will bet a dozen beers we can overload/break the webcast with over-subscribed demand, justfrom GAGR members along.
I don't think there is a lot the club can say, but the PwC reps area different story.

 

[Ignoto]

It might be worth Rebels fans asking, what will happen with the 2025 Lions tour. For the Reds, we needed membership for two years so we would get extra entries into the ballot.

If the Rebels don't exist in 2025, what happens with the ballot?

 

[PPRugby]

Lates Baden update
---

As promised in my communication to you over the past weeks, I am writing to keep you informed about important news regarding the future of our beloved Club.

As you now know, after careful consideration and consultation, the Melbourne Rebels Board have made the difficult decision to enter voluntary administration earlier this week.



Please know that this decision was not made lightly, but it was necessary to ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the Melbourne Rebels.

We are committed to addressing our financial challenges head-on and are confident that this process will ultimately strengthen our Club and position us for future success.



The below statement has been issued by PwC, the appointed Voluntary Administrators:



"As you may be aware, we were appointed Joint and Several Administrators of the Club on 29 January 2024 pursuant to Section 436A of the Corporations Act 2001.

Despite our appointment, we are working with the Melbourne Rebels executive team and Rugby Australia (RA) to secure the future of the club. We have been pleased to receive early support from RA, notably the Chief Executive Officer, Mr Phil Waugh, who has publicly stated that:

"RA is committed to ensuring the Melbourne Rebels play in the 2024 Super Rugby competitions and, we will support their preparation for the new season".

Should you have any further questions in relation to the Administration of the Club, please direct them to membership@melbournerebels.com.au. We will prepare a 'Frequently Asked Questions' piece which will address members' concerns that are raised through this forum.

If you wish to register as a creditor of the Club, a copy of our initial notice to creditors can be found at the attached link Melbourne Rebels - Initial Notice to Creditors"




Invitation to attend online forum:
Our commitment is to keep you informed and we invite you to join us for an online forum to discuss the impact of voluntary administration and share your valuable insights as we navigate this challenging but crucial phase together. Baden Stephenson, Kevin Foote and representatives from PwC will be in attendance to answer questions.

When: Monday 5th February
Time: 5:30pm
Link : Webcast Link

Throughout this period, our priority remains our loyal members, and we assure you that we will continue to communicate openly and transparently every step of the way. Your support means everything to us, and we are grateful for your unwavering dedication to our Club.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support during this time of transition. Together, we will overcome these challenges and emerge stronger than ever before.



Best Regards,
Baden Stephenson | Chief Executive Officer
Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union

The CEO is one of the first people that need to be removed.
Has been in charge for quite a while and say what you will, his job is to ensure the financial viability of the franchise.

Like a coach or player is judged for on field results… The CEO is judged for the off field.

If they get thru this, they need a fresh start.

 

[Rebelsfan]

The CEO is one of the first people that need to be removed.
Has been in charge for quite a while and say what you will, his job is to ensure the financial viability of the franchise.

Like a coach or player is judged for on field results… The CEO is judged for the off field.

If they get thru this, they need a fresh start.

Wanted to like the a thousand times but it only registers once

 

[Members Section]

The CEO is one of the first people that need to be removed.
Has been in charge for quite a while and say what you will, his job is to ensure the financial viability of the franchise.

Like a coach or player is judged for on field results… The CEO is judged for the off field.

If they get thru this, they need a fresh start.

Agreed he needs to go, is there any legalities around changing the board while in VA?