Rugby Australia is working with the debt-ridden Melbourne Rebels to ensure they field a team in this year’s Super Rugby Pacific competition but has offered no guarantees beyond that.
Melbourne formally entered voluntary administration on Monday night, with the season set to get under way in less than a month.
The national governing body said it remains committed to rugby in Victoria but offered no clues about how that may look.
In a statement, Rugby Australia (RA) said it will focus on a “viable professional rugby footprint in Melbourne that can be sustainable and commercially successful in the future”.
RA boss Phil Waugh said head office will work with the appointed administrator to ensure Melbourne teams play in this year’s mens and women’s Super competitions.