AusLeisure

The Australian Rugby Union (ARU) has received a financial boost with the sale of the Melbourne Rebels Super Rugby franchise to private investment group Imperium Sports Management.

The ARU, which in April announced losses of $6.3 million for 2014, is expected to save more than $3 million a year with the sale.

A statement from the ARU has announced that all of the shares in Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union Limited (MRRU) held by the ARU and Victorian Rugby Union will transfer to Imperium Sports Management Pty Ltd (ISM) as of 1st July

ISM is controlled by Melbourne-based businessmen Andrew Cox and Peter Sidwell, the former Chairman of A-League side Melbourne Heart, which is now owned by English Premier League side Manchester City and renamed Melbourne City.

Commenting on the purchase of the Rebels, Cox explained "there are over 125 years of rugby history in this state and the support for the Rebels in just five seasons is extremely encouraging.

"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."

Super Rugby will expand to 18 teams next year with sides based in South Africa, Japan and Argentina all joining the competition.

The ARU took over the Rebels from 2013 when a consortium of private investors walked away from the club after burning through $8 million in three seasons.

The ARU said it spent more than $5 million in 2013 on the side, which became the fifth Australian Super Rugby franchise in 2011.

The Rebels in action at AAMI Park.

The Rebels had their most successful season this year, winning seven games and were the third-best Australian team in the competition, finishing 10th overall.

ARU Chief Executive Bill Pulver stated "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.

“We, along with the VRU, are pleased that the Rebels’ new owners share the values of the ARU and the Foundation Rebels Shareholders, and will look to continue to strengthen the development of Rugby in Victoria in partnership with the VRU.”

In a further boost for rugby in Melbourne, the ARU has also announced that AAMI Park will host a Test match between the Wallabies and England in 2016.

Part of a first-ever three-Test series between the Wallabies and England, AAMI Park will stage the first Test in the series in June 2016.

The old rivals will also play Tests for the Cook Cup at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane and Allianz Stadium in Sydney.

It will be first time in the century-old rivalry between Australia and England that the two nations will meet in a three-Test series. The teams last met on three occasions in the same year was in 2010, although just two matches were played on Australian soil as part of England’s inbound tour.

AAMI Park.

Commenting on the choice of venues, Bill Pulver explained “the process for determining the venues for the series was centered on providing the best fan experience.

"All three venues are Rugby-friendly, offer a fantastic view of the action, and will generate a superb atmosphere with Wallabies fans and the touring English fans coming out in force.

Melbourne & Olympic Parks Chief Executive Brian Morris, said AAMI Park was living up to its reputation of delivering amazing atmosphere for world-class games.

Morris added "this year has been a year of firsts for the stadium – our first Asian Cup, our first A-League Grand Final, and we’re absolutely delighted to announce our first-ever Qantas Wallabies Test."

Wallabies v England, June 2016 series fixtures:

• Saturday 11th June Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
• Saturday 18th June AAMI Park, Melbourne
• Saturday 25th June Allianz Stadium, Sydney

17th June 2015 - VICTORIAN PREMIER VOWS TO FIGHT FOR EVERY MAJOR EVENT ‘WORTH TAKING’

11th May 2015 - A-LEAGUE GRAND FINAL TO BE HELD AT 30,000 CAPACITY AAMI PARK

21st April 2015 - ARU’S $6.3 MILLION LOSS BALANCED BY RECORD PARTICIPATION

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