Melbourne Rebels can begin building towards their entry into the Super 15 in 2011 after the ARU handed over control of the franchise.
ARU hand over control of new frnachise
Melbourne Rebels can begin building towards their entry into the Super 15 in 2011 after the ARU handed over control of the franchise to the consortium headed by Harold Mitchell.
The ARU and the Mitchell-led group came to an agreement over the ownership of the newly-form outfit on Tuesday - with the Rebels set to join the Waratahs, Reds, Western Force and Brumbies in the Super 15.
The club, who will play at the newly-constructed Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, now have just over a year to recruit key personnel such as a chief executive, coaching team and the 30-man playing squad.
"We are delighted to confirm the Melbourne team is now officially up and running," said ARU managing director and chief executive John O'Neill.
"I want to thank Harold Mitchell, Leon L'Huillier and those who have worked with them from the outset for the good faith dealings which have brought us to this exciting point in the history of Australian rugby.
"The opportunity for our game to expand its domestic footprint by truly embedding itself in the populous and key commercial market of Melbourne cannot be under-estimated."
Wonderful
The confirmation of the Melbourne Rebels comes just days after a dispute over funding forced the VicSuper15 group to end their involvement in the franchise.
However Rebels chairman Mitchell is confident his consortium can make Australia proud of the new franchise.
"Today's announcement by the ARU is a wonderful outcome for Melbourne," said Mitchell.
"Our group has worked tirelessly to ensure that Melbourne is provided the best opportunity to make a significant impact on Super Rugby in 2011.
"We are grateful to the board of the ARU for the confidence they have shown in us and they can be assured that we will make Australian Rugby proud of our newest Super team.
"I look forward to working with John O'Neill and his management team to ensure that this decision delivers a significant 'value add' to rugby here in Australia.
"The Victorian Government has constructed the latest and best stadium of its type in the world. When the team plays there in 2011 rugby will certainly be super in Melbourne."
