The Australian and Victorian Rugby Union today confirmed the Melbourne Rebels have been sold to Melbourne-based investment company Imperium Sports Management.
Following the on-field success of the Rebels in 2015, where they recorded the most Super Rugby victories in a season in the franchise’s history, the deal is a further boost to the club.
As The Roar reported in May, Andrew Cox and Peter Sidwell have bought all the shares of the franchise, completing the ARU’s goal of privatising the franchise.
The parties entered into a Heads of Agreement earlier this year, with today’s announcement confirming the deal.
The Rebels is run by Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union Limited, which will be owned in its entirety by Cox and his partners from 1 July, 2015.
Cox will also assume the Managing Director role at the Rebels, with current CEO Peter Leahy moving aside.
Andrew Cox was understandably pleased with the deal.
“We know Melbourne is the perfect city to have its very own rugby team. There are over 125 years of rugby history in this state and the support for the Rebels in just five seasons is extremely encouraging.
“We’re excited about the opportunity we have to re-engage with the Victorian Rugby community and form a deeper connection with our fans by delivering better rugby experiences at AAMI Park.
“With the expanded Super Rugby competition in 2016, we are looking forward to showcasing Melbourne across the world through new markets including Asia and South America.
ARU CEO Bill Pulver said Cox was the right buyer.
“Throughout the negotiations with the Imperium Group, we have been most impressed with both Andrew Cox and Peter Sidwell and their vision for the growth of Rugby in Victoria.
President of the Victorian Rugby Union Tim North said it was an opportunity to grow the code in Victoria.
“As a rugby community we are very fortunate that the new owners of the Rebels are passionate about the VRU’s growth strategies and local pathways.
“Under the sale agreement, the Melbourne Rebels and VRU will continue to operate as separate businesses, although remaining strongly linked to continue to drive the local game for men and women in Club Rugby, Victorian Schools Rugby Union (VSRU) and Rugby Sevens.”
Sam
Guest
The Rebels have done wonders for the game in Melbourne. Juniors don't have to move else where to follow their dream... think of players who started their journey in Victoria... Lloyd Johansson, Ben Tapuai, Digby Ioane, Christian Lealiifano, Matt Toomua, Siliva Siliva, John Ulugia (who will play for the Rebels next year) I understand other Victorians who went overseas for their shot are coming back now too... Angus Hamilton came back from Scotland and played with the Rising last year. All in all a great thing for Victorian rugby.
Sam
Guest
I would have liked to have seen a commitment to a the long term view myself but I think on-field experience and leadership was an issue in the fore-front of Rod Macqueen's mind- hence the recruitment of people like Sam Cordingley, Greg Sommerville, Stirling Mortlock, Al Campbell, Mark Gerrard, Julian Huxley. It's paid dividend in the form of the development of players like Hugh Pyle, Luke Jones, Cadeyrn Neville ( I think he will do quite well for the Reds), Nick Phipps and Peter Betham who have all had a measure of success. Unfortunatlely the recruitment of players like Isaiah Mosese and Afusipa Taumoepeau didn't work out and the Luke Rooney experiment didn't work either. It was sad to see Cooper Vuna leave.The less said about Danny Cipriani, Kurtley Beale and James O'Connor, the better.
Hoqni
Guest
A beautiful sporting city about to have its rugby managed by a strong branding team. It is the best that it can be. Go Melbourne! Go Rebels
Mike
Guest
I don't know how they will work out in practice, but this is saying the right things: “We know Melbourne is the perfect city to have its very own rugby team. There are over 125 years of rugby history in this state and the support for the Rebels in just five seasons is extremely encouraging. We’re excited about the opportunity we have to re-engage with the Victorian Rugby community and form a deeper connection with our fans by delivering better rugby experiences at AAMI Park. With the expanded Super Rugby competition in 2016, we are looking forward to showcasing Melbourne across the world through new markets including Asia and South America." I like the sound of better rugby experiences at AAMI park - I understand it is similar to SFS, which is better for rugby and league. And there is a proper emphasis on being seen as part of the Melbourne outreach to the world, and linking with the city's business strategy. I wish them all the best, and hope that we see a strong Rebels team which regularly places 2nd in Super rugby... :)
Bakkies
Guest
The problem with overseas players is that they one or two years at the most. The Rebels are probably thinking long term after they got the recruiting wrong at the start.
Sam
Guest
It started as 10 spots reducing by two per year. A special arrangement was made with the ARU so Gareth Delve could stay though.
Sylvester
Guest
He's a Cantab so may be a given... http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/68776768/kiwiborn-multimillionaire-andrew-cox-buys-rebels-but-still-a-crusaders-fan
BB
Guest
Andrew, Is a passionate Rugby Union fan and has been committed to the game in Victoria for years. He brings exceptional business acumen to the table in Marketing, Operations and Financial Management - this is a really good news story for rugby in this state. Wish you every success Coxy
Alex L
Roar Rookie
The Rebels really haven't been making use of it though, but one wonders if they had any money to spend on O/S players as virtually all of the team has been Australian. I'd hope they don't increase too much in this area, the squad has been building nicely as is.
Browny
Roar Rookie
There's a cap on how many overseas players they can sign, off the top of my head it might be 8 but I'm probably wrong, and that cap will progressively reduce back until it's the same as NSW, QLD and the ACT are allowed. I think the Force are still on a number similar to the Rebels.
Brett McKay
Expert
From the ARU release: "As part of the Imperium Group, ISM is led by local Melbourne businessman Andrew Cox and former Melbourne Heart Chairman Peter Sidwell. Both Cox and Sidwell bring a unique combination of business and sports administration experience, and have a proven track record of successful transformation of under-performing businesses and brand management." Played a decent part in the sale of Melbourne Heart to Manchester City..
Old Bugger
Guest
Not to be a sticky-beak but do we assume that there will be no team selection oversight from ARU now that the franchise, is 100% under private ownership?? Because if not, will we see a definitive increase in overseas player recruitment to bolster the ranks in pursuit of finals appearance(s) and subsequent success??
Tigranes
Guest
Do Andrew Cox and Peter Sidwell have any background in rugby and/or professional sports? I would have thought the Waratahs could do something similar, surely there must be enough wealthy blokes with a passion for rugby in Sydney to make it happen - I thought NSW Rugby was structured in such a way that this could happen (the professional side of things was done through a separate legal entity to the community side)