Tickets for next year’s highly anticipated British & Irish Lions tour went on sale in Australia this Monday, signaling the commencement of preparations for one of rugby’s most prestigious events. However, amidst the excitement, there looms uncertainty for one of the opposition teams, the Melbourne Rebels, who face potential discontinuation at the end of the season due to financial woes.
The Melbourne Rebels, a Super Rugby team, currently find themselves in administration with millions of dollars of debt, prompting Rugby Australia (RA) to review their future. While RA has assured the completion of the Rebels’ current Super Rugby Pacific campaign, the club’s long-term prospects remain uncertain.
RA’s chief executive, Phil Waugh, acknowledged the ongoing review into the Rebels’ future, expressing optimism about ensuring a fixture in Melbourne for the British & Irish Lions tour. “While we are working through the Rebels situation, there will still be a fixture in Melbourne on that date,” Waugh assured, indicating plans for a Pasifika game or potentially Australia A to fill the slot if needed.
New Wallabies Coach Joe Schmidt Eyes Rebuild Ahead of Lions Tests
Amidst preparations for the British & Irish Lions tour, newly appointed Wallabies coach, Joe Schmidt, faces the arduous task of revitalizing an Australian team currently ranked 10th in the world. Schmidt inherits a team that endured a challenging year, winning only two out of nine tests and suffering an early exit from the World Cup.
Schmidt outlined his approach to rebuilding the Wallabies, emphasizing the need to establish a strong foundation. “I’m coming in and trying to hit the reset button and get a bit of a foundation again that we can build from,” Schmidt stated, acknowledging the promising discussions with Super Rugby coaches and expressing optimism for the future.
Having previously coached Ireland during the Lions’ 2013 tour to Australia, Schmidt is well aware of the challenge posed by the formidable Lions. However, he believes that with the right approach, the Wallabies can compete effectively. “It’s about building a bit of a process in how we deliver what we do,” Schmidt explained, highlighting the importance of establishing a competitive framework.
With just four months until the Lions’ arrival, Schmidt is focused on laying the groundwork for success, aiming to provide the Wallabies with a platform to challenge the Lions effectively. As preparations intensify, Australian rugby fans eagerly anticipate an exhilarating clash between two rugby powerhouses.
