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The Melbourne Rebels has reportedly been handed an 11th hour lifeline with a private equity-backed consortium preparing to aim funds and save the bankrupt club. Under a plan revealed in a media statement, the consortium led by former Qantas chairman Leigh Clifford, will move the Rebels to Melbourne's western suburbs and join forces with A-League club Western United. According to the group they're in the 'final stages of high-level talks' and aim to raise between $20 million to $30m. It would see the club share Western United's Wyndham Regional football facility in Tarneit, in the outer western suburbs of Melbourne, where a 15,000-seat stadium is being built. The future of the club appeared dire before season kick-off with the franchise placed into voluntary administration in January with debts exceeding $23million, including $11m to the Australian Tax Office.  In a statement from consortium spokesperson Georgia Widdup, the move to Tarneit "would be the game-changer that the Melbourne Rebels and the sport of rugby desperately needs in Victoria. "We have an exciting vision and a detailed, common-sense plan to grow the sport of rugby in the fastest-growing municipality in Australia. "The Rebels are committed to the women's game, the Pasifika community and important programs for the western region's youth and this move will enable us to significantly expand these critical areas." Rugby Australia took back control of the Rebels' license when it entered administration, and the consortium would need the support of the governing body and the tax office if it's to save the club. Western United are also on board with the plan. "The Western Melbourne Group's vision has always been to host multi sports and create a vibrant city underpinned by sports, education, health and wellness," Western United chairman Jason Sourasis said. "There are obvious synergies hosting both Western United and the Melbourne Rebels and naturally, we are keen to explore those opportunities."
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