The Rebels are still there because it was easier and cheaper to cut the Force. Not due to "protection"
How is it easier and cheaper, they are going to get killed and or lose control of rugby in Aus. I bet if they could they would change what they did, the Rebels would have just died quietly, their support and passion is small.
Just another self interest decision by Clyne which shows he has the macro skills of a gnat. He out manoeuvred himself then and now it is TF who doing it to him.
If he had any kind of macro skills and risk minimisation skills he would have grabbed Cox's licence to ensure they maintained control of the situation.
They didn't know if the Alliance agreement would hold or not in court.
But they didn't because he and Clarke were emotionally invested in the Rebels. That was the only option they could countenance, no macro vision.
Cox was even told he was safe before the announcement.
They didn't buy the licence when Cox was willing to sell it to them.
They then assisted the Rebels along the entire path facilitating the licence transfer. Pretending all along they were unaware even though the signed paperwork says otherwise.
They even gave the Rebels a copy of the Force Alliance agreement which was strictly confidential.
Tim North (VRU) now refuses to deny they were given it even though previously he has admitted to it, can't bring himself to outright deny it being a barrister, the risk is too high.
The whole process has been completely compromised from the start by Clyne, Clarke and now it seems North whose integrity seems to now be hanging by a thread.
At the end of the day they survived, good luck to them, but only because they were protected.