Rugby Australia (RA) has affirmed its commitment to Rugby in Victoria after the Melbourne Rebels entered voluntary administration on Monday night.

As a result, RA will now work with the appointed administrator to ensure the Melbourne Rebels take the field for the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions.

As RA works with administrators, it will also focus on a viable professional Rugby footprint in Melbourne that can be sustainable and commercially successful in the future.

Rugby Australia CEO Phil Waugh says the Rebels’ players and staff will be supported through this time.

“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,” said Waugh.

“As custodians of the game, we are determined to ensure that RA is making responsible decisions for a sustainable and successful future – we will work with the Rebels and the relevant stakeholders to that end.”

Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round, set to take place on 1-3 March at AAMI Park, will not be impacted.

Waugh said Rugby Australia would continue its dialogue with the Victorian Government in relation to the future of the Melbourne Rebels.

“The Victorian Government has been a long-standing and significant supporter of professional and community Rugby,” he said.

“Through our strong partnership – forged through decades of staging major events in Melbourne – our focus is to work with the Victorian Government and its key agencies, including Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, to ensure the Rebels’ participation in the 2024 Super Rugby season and the continuation of professional Rugby in the state.

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Melbourne Rebels CEO Baden Stephenson says the organisation is determined to fulfil its commitments for the 2024 season.

“Our focus as an organisation is to ensure we can deliver the 2024 season, perform well in the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s competitions, and to position our club in the best possible way for the future,” said Stephenson.

“Thank you to the Rebels’ players and staff, our partners, and especially the members and fans for their support and patience during this time.”