Super Rugby Pacific will have a new champion in 2024 after the Crusaders’ seven year reign was ended in Lautoka today.
The Drua’s 40-19 win over the Rebels lifted them into seventh place on the ladder while the Melbourne club are now eighth.
The Crusaders slipped out of the finals picture and are ninth.
Taniela Tupou of the Melbourne Rebels runs with the ball. Getty
The Rebels were locked at 19-19 at halftime but ran out of steam after a horror week in which they learned the club would not field a team next season.
“I believe it’s the right decision that the game had to make,” Stephen Hoiles said on Stan Sport.
“For too long, it’s been a financial model that hasn’t worked – and this model hasn’t worked in Melbourne.
“I hope Rugby Australia work really hard to make sure the development and the future of Victorian rugby is still strong. But I think we needed to make a brave decision.
“We made a half brave decision five years ago and I think we got rid of the wrong club in the Western Force. Now those players need to be looked after and their families – but I do believe it’s the right thing for the game.”