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The ARU CEO John O’Neill has no option but to request that Melbourne Rebels CEO Brian Waldron be removed from his position.
The scandal that has hit the Melbourne Storm has huge implications for all sports in this country and the Rebels cannot start as a new Super Rugby franchise with the stench of corruption hanging over them via their CEO.
Such a move by the ARU would show strength, a commitment to fairness in sport – which rugby has always championed – and it would send a positive message to sports supporters in this country and to those who are thinking about supporting the Rebels.
The relaunch of Super Rugby in 2011 in Australia, New Zealand and South Africa is an exciting move for the game at a time when it is just starting to move out of the doldrums thanks to the Law interpretations and the positive coaching that we are at last seeing in professional rugby- at least in the Southern Hemisphere.
Furthermore SANZAR has just signed another great TV broadcast deal and there is little doubt that the TV moguls will want assurances that such scandal will not affect their investment.
Then there are the sponsors of rugby who will again seek assurance that rugby is clean.
If the Melbourne Rebels are to attract the necessary levels of sponsorship they require to operate and underwrite the team over and above the grant it receives from the ARU then something has to be done ensure the sponsors’ confidence.
The new Super 15 promises much, including more domestic derbies within each country and I for one look forward to seeing the Aussie teams pay each other home and away.
However it seems impossible that the Melbourne Rebels could start in a new market for rugby with a CEO who has a question mark hanging over him in terms of his previous role with the Melbourne Storm.
The ARU has to act on this and act positively as it will only get one chance to launch the Rebels in the highly competitive market that is Melbourne.
The Rugby community is watching.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.