Aussies dump another Rebels team

NEWS: Rugby Australia has decided to dump another team based in Melbourne

In the wake of the announcement earlier this year that the Rebels' men's team will not compete in Super Rugby Pacific, RA announced on Wednesday that the Melbourne Rebels will also not compete in the Super Rugby Women's competition in 2025.

"Next year's competition will instead feature five teams - Waratahs, Reds, Brumbies, Western Force and Fijian Drua - with a revised competition structure to be announced in the coming months," a statement read.

"After Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union went into voluntary administration in January this year, RA resolved to investigate the viability of maintaining the Rebels women's program.

"That process has now been completed, and a financially viable option for either RA or Rugby Victoria has not been identified to sustain the program in 2025."

RA said they remain deeply committed to the game in Victoria and will continue to fund Rugby Victoria to support and grow the community game across the state and support the development and graduation of female talent.

"That responsibility will extend to formalising pathways for talented female players from Victoria to join the clubs competing in the Super Rugby Women's competition," the statement added.