Furious Rebels reiterate defiant position over Super Rugby cull

Melbourne Rebels have again implored the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to end speculation surrounding cuts from Super Rugby, and will refuse to entertain such a notion with the governing body.

Super Rugby’s 18-team format will be ditched next season, with two South African franchises and one from Australia to make way.

The ARU confirmed last month that the Rebels and Western Force were the only ones from five available teams being considered.

Western Force, owned by the ARU, are thought to be the likeliest side to go, but the Rebels remain furious with the ARU’s handling of the matter and released a fresh statement on Friday following their earlier expression of disgust last month.

“The Melbourne Rebels wish to reiterate its clear legal position that the ARU has no legal right to “cut” them as a team in the Super Rugby Competition,” Friday’s statement read.

“The ARU must come out and publicly put an end to the speculation. For the avoidance of any doubt whatsoever, neither the Melbourne Rebels nor its owners will engage with the ARU in relation to the sale or cancellation of its Super Rugby licence.

“On 10 April 2017, Cameron Clyne Chairman of the ARU announced that either the Melbourne Rebels or the Western Force would be “cut” within 48-72 hours despite having no contractual or legal ability to do this.

“The Melbourne Rebels made a statement on Good Friday of its position and requested that the ARU come out and immediately state that it could not ‘cut’ the Rebels. We are now five weeks further into the 2017 season with no statement from the ARU. The ongoing speculation concerning our future has tested the resolve of the club, our sponsors, our members and our fans. The ARU actions are not only impacting our 2017 season, they are now impacting our 2018 season.

“The Melbourne Rebels are a key tenant in one of the world’s greatest sporting precincts and we intend on representing professional rugby in Melbourne for a long time to come. The Melbourne Rebels acknowledge the strong support given by the Victorian Government to the club and rugby in the state.

“We ask our fans, supporters and members to get behind the Melbourne Rebels and demonstrate that rugby is alive and thriving in Melbourne, Victoria, the sporting capital of the world, at our next home game against the Crusaders on Saturday 27 May.

“We thank them all for their ongoing support and encourage them to continue to stand with us.”