Club Statement from CEO, Baden Stephenson
Dear Rebels family,
With yearend upon us, I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for all your support, loyalty, and friendship.
On Tuesday, the Men’s Super Rugby squad concluded a very successful block of pre-season training. Head Coach Kevin Foote has successfully set the tone and narrative, and constantly pushed clearly defined outcomes in this preseason block. Head of Athletic Performance Luke Vella has driven a world-class high-performance program that ensures our players are ready for the rigours of Super Rugby. I want to acknowledge all the players and staff from the High Performance, Commercial, and Community departments for all their efforts, unwavering commitment, and authentic connection. We were joined by supporters for a very special day at HQ last Saturday with the Super Rugby squad, Super Rugby Women’s squad, and Elite Pathwayssquads all combining for an open training session that showcased our ‘One Club’ philosophy.
Our members have demonstrated they are right behind the Club with over 80% already renewed and it is fantastic to see some quality growth in new members. Our partnership team has overseen the renewal of key partners La Trobe University (5 years), Shaw and Partners (2 years), KFC (2 years), SA1NT Layers (2 years), Gilbert (2 years) and CyberCX (1 year). In addition, Ralph D’Silva Motor Group has upgraded, and we have many new partners to announce in the New Year which is very exciting.
In response to recent negative media coverage originating out of Sydney, the Melbourne Rebels wishes to address the speculations and set the record straight. Despite the unfounded speculation circulating in the media, we want to assure our supporters, stakeholders, and the wider community that the Melbourne Rebels’ future is extremely bright. Our club is unwavering in its commitment to excellence both on and off the field in 2024 and will not be distracted by those who are seeking again to harm and disrespect our community.
Led by Chairman Paul Docherty, the Board of Directors and our executive, our club has consistently benefited under a foundation of strong leadership, diverse thinking, invaluable experience, and an unwavering fighting spirit. The support from the Victorian Government, Melbourne and Olympic Parks Trust, our partners, suppliers, dedicated members, and our community reinforces the collective commitment to championing our club. We remain resolute in our stance against any form of intimidation or exploitation. Instead, we stand tall, recognising the honour and responsibility we bear in representing everyone in our community on both the national and international stages.
We have much to be proud of and much to look forward to and here are some examples of the current activity:
- We have led the game in Australia in growth in Schools (public) through the Academy Movement program which is funded by the Melbourne Rebels.
- The growth in the Women’s game on the back of the Melbourne Rebels decision to be the first Super Rugby club to pay our Super Rugby Women’s players.
- We are driving remarkable change in our Community through the Quilt program, Mobilise outreach program for the homeless, and the largest-scale Community program in the country through TAC.
- The Rebels’ Pasifika engagement & leadership programs are recognised as the most effective and successful in our Nation.
- Melbourne’s Rugby and sports-loving community contribute massively to Rugby Australia’s finances through sellout crowds at Marvel Stadium & MCG, but with no financial benefit to Victorian Rugby.
- International content with Wallabies, Wallaroos, and Super Round to be played at AAMI Park in 2024.
- The elevation and development of Women in Rebels Executive staff through Oceania and Change our Game scholarships.
- 20 players Melbourne Rebels players represented national teams in 2023.
- The development of world-class facilities which will provide a legacy for the next generation such as the High-Performance gym at AAMI Park and State Centre of Excellence being built at La Trobe University.
I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Continue to look after yourself and your family and friends. We look forward to welcoming you back to the Stockade for Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Women’s in 2024.
Best Regards,
Baden
Baden Stephenson | Chief Executive Officer
Melbourne Rebels Rugby Union
