No Super Rugby deal with ARU
The offer was reportedly around $6 million, although the ARU has been under pressure from the Victorian Rugby Union (VRU), Victorian government and Rugby Union Players’ Association (RUPA) to withdraw it.
The boards of the VRU and RUPA, which include Test captain Stephen Moore, this week voted to force the ARU’s board into a special general meeting.
A date is yet to be set for this meeting, as well as time for an ‘‘informal discussion’’ about the Super Rugby saga between all parties within the coming week.
Cox’s future with the Rebels remains uncertain with former Wallabies captain Rocky Elsom still hopeful of securing a deal to buy the franchise.
Elsom is part of a group of private investors, interested in securing the future of the Rebels.
Despite Cox denying this week he has had negotiations with Elsom, the ex-player has signed a confidentiality agreement which signals otherwise. Elsom has checked out Melbourne’s books and is believed to see plenty of upside in the franchise.
He also doesn’t want to see the Force fold, saying five Australian teams are not only viable but necessary for the success of Australian rugby.
By selling the franchise to Elsom, Cox would have honoured his commitment to the Melbourne players and staff that he wouldn’t sell for the club to be axed. AAP