Under the real threat of extinction, the Melbourne Rebels could potentially play their last ever home game at AAMI Park on Friday night.
But in a twist that is both serving as both a motivational boost and an extra turn of the knife for the struggling club, a ‘farewell’ victory would also give the Rebels something they’ve been chasing since birth in 2011: a finals berth.
“Ultimately these are professional rugby players and they want to be successful, so when you start talking about that, you can see the hairs on the back of the neck start to stand up,” coach Kevin Foote said.
Rebels players, coaches and fans have been in an emotional purgatory since the club entered voluntary administration in January, after it emerged the club was more than $22m in debt. Rugby Australia re-contracted players to see out the 2024 season but whether the club survives beyond June remains to be seen.
Creditors voted to back a rescue plan with a consortium of investors, tied to the previous Melbourne Rebels directors, and talks will continue next week with Rugby Australia about regaining the club’s licence. But major doubts remain, given RA have indicated they would prefer to close the 14-year-old club down for financial reasons, and legal action may ensue.
All of which leaves open the prospect Friday night’s game against the Chiefs at AAMI Park as the last ever Rebels home game. No one is planning a farewell party, given the chance for survival, but the occasion isn’t lost on the players, said Foote.
Will the Melbourne Rebels survive in Super Rugby? This young fan at AAMI Park this month hopes so.Credit: Getty Images
“I said to the guys on Monday when our mindset is right and we are focused on the right things, we can do good things,” he said.
“I said ‘we don’t know, this could be the last game’ but if there is and it’s going to motivate us, we will use it as a positive. Some guys will feel the pressure of that, others will feel sad. You just have to manage that and hit the right notes with the guys.”
An extended administration process has seen the club living in uncertainty for months, and Foote said it was taking a toll on players and coaches. Though contingency planning discussions with players and RA are due in coming weeks, all the squad remain uncertain where they will be playing next year, and the coach spoke candidly last week that the club didn’t feel supported by Rugby Australia.
“(RA boss) Phil Waugh did come down and apologise and said he acknowledges the human factor, and communication is something they need to focus on more,” he said.
Melbourne Rebels coach Kevin Foote.Credit: Getty Images
“I am a positive guy and I always believe things will work. It is hard when you see other people this late, now – it is nearly four months now – and it is the emotional fatigue, more than anything, due to the uncertainty. Narrowing the focus helps the guys, focussing on games and getting exercise, that’s all good for mental health.”
Though RA has said on-field performance in 2024 won’t be a factor in a decision about the Rebels’ future, the team is well poised to achieve something no Melbourne team has managed before: playing in the Super Rugby finals.
Since their first season in 2011, the Rebels’ best finish has been ninth in a full Super Rugby competition. They currently sit in sixth (in a top-eight finals system) with three tough rounds remaining, and may have enough points already. But with challengers nipping at their heels, a victory at home on Friday would seal the deal and give fans something to savour. It’s easier said than done, though, against the in-form Chiefs.
“It is very motivational for everyone. But we don’t want to limp into the finals, if we get there. We want to be confident and playing a good brand of rugby, and be fit and healthy and ready to go. There is a lot to play for,” Foote said.
“I would have loved if we had have given free tickets to every kid who plays rugby in Victoria, and to any member who has been part of us over the last 14 years. Let them come, for free, and just be involved. It would be pretty cool,” Foote said.
“There are a lot of people who have put a lot of time and money into the place, and into rugby in Victoria. And I’ll be honest, you see some of the talent coming through down here, it is pretty real.
“There are some very good footballers around, from genuine rugby communities. It really needs to be looked after and harnessed because it can achieve things for Australian rugby.”
Foote said Rugby Australia need to ensure Rebels players are not lost to Australian rugby, in the event the club doesn’t continue.
“Some guys might choose overseas but they have to get going on that, because if want to keep Australian rugby strong we have to keep these guys,” he said.
Watch all the action from the 2024 Super Rugby Pacific season, with every match ad-free, live and on demand on Stan Sport.
