Future of the Melbourne Rebels?
Posted: Mon Feb 19, 2024 3:38 am
Just $17,300 in the bank with Rugby Australia telling staff to seek government handouts. 
Where to from here?
Where to from here?
Rugby Aus confirms Super Rugby CEO axed, staff told to seek gov handouts amid $17k in bank reveal
The future of the Melbourne Rebels has taken a dark turn with five staff including CEO Baden Stephenson sacked, and all remaining staff including coaches put on four-month deals to cover the 2024 Super Rugby season.
The ailing side was clearly facing a difficult future when it was revealed earlier this week they had just $17,300 in the bank but $20 million in debts.
But having entered administration The Age reports PwC terminated the employment of all staff members excluding players (because Rugby Australia is a party to their contracts).
RA then stepped in to place a minimal number of administrative and coaching staff on new deals running until June.
Rugby Australia [RA] announced Thursday that five staff, including CEO Stephenson, would not be given short-term deals.
“RA can confirm that the role of Rebels CEO, currently held by Baden Stephenson, has been made redundant,” the governing body said in a statement on Thursday.
“A new CEO contract has not been offered for Baden to continue with the club. RA would like to thank Baden for his years of work at the club and recognises this has been a difficult period for him and his team.”
Staff have been advised to seek government handouts rather than Rugby Australia offering payouts.
RA then stepped in to place a minimal number of administrative and coaching staff on new deals running until June.
Rugby Australia [RA] announced Thursday that five staff, including CEO Stephenson, would not be given short-term deals.
“RA can confirm that the role of Rebels CEO, currently held by Baden Stephenson, has been made redundant,” the governing body said in a statement on Thursday.
“A new CEO contract has not been offered for Baden to continue with the club. RA would like to thank Baden for his years of work at the club and recognises this has been a difficult period for him and his team.”
Staff have been advised to seek government handouts rather than Rugby Australia offering payouts.
“Affected staff members (including those offered contracts by Rugby Australia) will be able to claim a redundancy package via the government’s Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme,” RA said in a statement.
The team has entered voluntary administration and auditors from PwC have found they owe over $20 million, including:
- $11.6 million to the tax office;
- $5.7 million to board members;
- $2.8 million to suppliers;
- $1.1 million in unpaid stadium fees;
- $720k to the state revenue office;
- $250k in employee superannuation.
But they have just $17,300 in their bank accounts with assets including office furniture, gym equipment and two cars.
Fans are currently unable to buy home tickets or memberships for the team with a week until the season begins.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/rugby/supe ... 4f92bdbbe2
