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Nick Taylor
The Super Rugby saga took another twist yesterday when it emerged Melbourne Rebels owner Andrew Cox had offered to sell his Super Rugby licence back to the Australian Rugby Union.
Governing body SANZAAR yesterday confirmed the competition would be cut from 18 to 15 sides from next year, with one Australian team to be axed along with two South African clubs.
The Western Force, who have never played finals since joining the competition in 2006, have been touted as favourites for the chop, while the ACT Brumbies have been told they are safe and the future of the Rebels is unclear.
The ARU has scheduled a media conference this morning, but it is understood it won’t name which team will be cut.
Newscorp reported that although the ARU would give the Force and the Rebels a chance to state their cases for a stay of execution, it had already drawn up plans to cull the Force. Newscorp said the Force would learn their fate by the end of the week.
It is understood New Zealander Cox has asked for $4.75 million to hand over all rights of the struggling Melbourne club.
Cox does not have to open the club books because of his private ownership but insiders say he is facing a $2 million loss this year. It is not known how much longer he is prepared to take a financial hit.
The Rebels have bled $20 million from the ARU in the six years since their foundation.
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https://thewest.com.au/sport/rugby-u...-ng-b88441550z