Melbourne Rebels future could be derailed if players leave Australian rugby [Video]

A private equity-backed consortium deal could yet save the Melbourne Rebels, but who’s left to salvage the inroads made in recent years remains to be seen.

After months of living in limbo following the slide into voluntary administration, Rebels general manager Nick Stiles admitted “everyone” was considering their future given the cloud over them currently.

That cloud lightened on Wednesday with news that business heavyweight Leigh Clifford was working on a deal to save the Super Rugby franchise by pumping $30 million into the ailing club and relocating the group to Melbourne’s western suburbs.

But the clock is ticking, with the forthcoming weeks to prove crucial in not just whether the Rebels will take to the field in 2025 but which players – and coaches – will still be around.

Player agents are naturally assessing their options, with certainty the most crucial factor for their clients.

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