The Melbourne Rebels have entered voluntary administration in a desperate bid to survive beyond 2024, putting the futures of star Wallabies in doubt.

According to reports from Australia, the Rebels are seeking AU$500 000 (approximately R62 000) assistance to pay players and staff.

This is on top of the AU$9 million (R111 million) in debt that the club has already, while it owes AU$1 million (R12 million) in fees for use of AAMI Park stadium as its home ground.

The club appointed insolvency firm Wexted Advisors as administrators to assist with the situation on Thursday.

This has thrown into doubt the futures of key Wallabies duo Taniela Tupou and Andrew Kellaway, amongst others.

Wallabies tighthead prop Tupou has yet to play for the Rebels, having moved to Melbourne from the Queensland Reds ahead of the 2024 Super Rugby season.

Tupou’s signing was meant to signal intent from the Rebels to push for a place in the Super Rugby playoffs, having finished 10th and 11th during the Pacific era.

Rugby Australia has insisted that the Rebels will play in the 2024 Super Rugby tournament, but the club’s future is up in the air, with no players or coaches contracted beyond 2025.

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