Melbourne rugby clubs have banded together in a bid to oust most of the Rugby Victoria board as the fallout from the collapse of the Melbourne Rebels continues.
Melbourne’s last ever Super Rugby Pacific match has ended in heartbreak,with the Hurricanes storming to a 47-20 victory on the back of a big second half in Wellington.
Powering up the Waratahs scrum with Rebels stars could help NSW regain some lost ground. But it could also fuel one of the Tahs’ oldest problems.
Rugby Australia officials are adamant it was a pragmatic business decision to kill the Melbourne Rebels;supporters of the Rebels say it was an unfair call and a “premeditated murder”.
Wallabies stars Taniela Tupou and Carter Gordon could be heading to NSW.
The Tests in July against Wales are so important for brightening the national mood that they are in the must-win category.
Is Rugby Australia’s decision to axe Melbourne another episode of calamity in the 15-man code,or a necessary act of leadership?
Rugby Australia has shut down the Melbourne Rebels after 14 seasons,sparking a court battle with the consortium that planned to save the club and casting extreme doubt on the Victorian government’s commitment to hosting the 2027 World Cup final.
Rugby Australia must be learning that centralisation means taking on the problems of the franchises,not magically making them disappear.
Rugby Australia boss Phil Waugh says the search for a new Waratahs coach will be fast,but thorough.
The change of tack could signal a major development in the negotiations between the consortium attempting to rescue the Melbourne Rebels and the sport’s governing body.