Melbourne Rebels survive but fight with ATO, Rugby Australia not over

The former directors of the Melbourne Rebels have been granted a final chance to revive their debt-laden rugby club and secure its long-term future, despite the Australian Tax Office and Rugby Australia voting against the plan.

The Rebels’ creditors, who are owed a collective $23.2 million, were at a stalemate on Friday over support for a deed of company arrangement (DOCA) proposal that could salvage the club but may also lead to legal proceedings against Rugby Australia over alleged unpaid debts (the body strongly denies the allegations).