The Melbourne Rebels Super W team represented the pinnacle for local players to aspire to, and this year we had our highest ever number of registered girls and women players.
Rugby Victoria is deeply saddened and disappointed by Rugby Australia's decision to pull back investment in women's rugby in Victoria. The opportunity base for women to play rugby professionally was already small and by cutting the Melbourne Rebels from the Super W program in 2025, it has effectively reduced that by 20%, not just for Victorians, but also for all professional female players across Australia.
We recognise the need for more opportunities for women to play sport, not less. Which is why in 2022, the Melbourne Rebels set the benchmark by being the first Super Rugby club in Australia to pay their female players. Other teams followed suit, and now all Super W and Wallaroos are, at a minimum, semi-professional athletes.
The Melbourne Rebels Super W team represented the pinnacle for local players to aspire to, and this year we had our highest ever number of registered girls and women players. This included successfully attending representative tournaments in U13, U15, and U18 girl’s teams.
The Rebels women's team was built by Victorians and funded by Rugby Victoria and grassroots sponsorship for many years. It grew to be a highly competitive and professional team showcasing exceptional talent from girls and women from Victoria, including two current players on tour with the Wallaroos and several other international representatives over the years.
We will continue to look for avenues that can build on the great work we have done so far in the State. We look forward to continued collaboration with all our stakeholders, to ensure all lovers of rugby union can continue to play and watch our great game.
Quotes attributable to Mel Kawa, former Rebels Super W Captain and Rugby Victoria Director:
"2024 was the most successful Melbourne Rebels Super W team in their short history, and a lot of excellent women's rugby has been played in the Rebels jersey.”
"It’s a really tough decision to make. Rugby Victoria, the Melbourne Rebels and Rugby Australia have previously worked together over the years to create this professional pathway and it’s devastating to be undoing a lot of our own hard work.”
Quotes attributable to Liz Radcliffe, President Rugby Victoria:
“Rugby Victoria is committed to the growth of women's sport and finding pathways for all players at whatever level they aspire to play.”
“While this is a further blow to the Victorian Rugby community we will continue deliver rugby union for all lovers of our game, working with those who are who are willing to support us, like the Victorian Government, our sponsors and our hard-working volunteers in our grass roots clubs.”
