Rugby Australia’s head of human resources,Rachel Buckling,was in Melbourne on Wednesday to handle the new contract arrangements.
Rugby Australia declined to comment when asked about the job losses on Wednesday.
The Rebels were placed involuntary administration this month after it emerged they owed as much as $20 million in debts,including to the Australian Taxation Office and the Melbourne and Olympic Park Trust. Rugby Australia has taken back the Rebels’ licence and the club is under major pressure to survive.
Auditors from PwC appointed to investigate the club’s finances revealed the Rebels owe $11.6 million to the Tax Office,$5.7 million to board members,and $2.8 million to suppliers – which include sponsors that paid their fees upfront.