Overview
- Rugby Australia opened its defence by citing an affidavit from former Rebels president Paul Docherty that backed a merger with Moana Pasifika and a Melbourne Pasifika Rebels concept.
- RA argued a bailout for Melbourne was not viable, saying the club faced an estimated negative $22 million, compared with about $3 million at the Waratahs and $2.4 million at the Brumbies.
- The Rebels are seeking more than $30 million and claim RA secretly adopted a July 2023 strategy called Winning Rugby that prioritised NSW, Queensland and the ACT.
- The club says RA rescued the Waratahs and Brumbies, planned to concentrate top Wallabies talent in three east‑coast sides, and pushed Melbourne toward a merger instead of ongoing support.
- Justice Cameron Moore urged both sides to consider settlement as the three‑week Federal Court hearing unfolds, with evidence due from RA chief Phil Waugh and with the Rebels’ 2024 administration, $23 million debt and loss of licence under scrutiny.