• RA prepare counter-claim alleging ‘misleading and deceptive conduct’
• Club directors seek damages and Super Rugby return in lawsuit

Rugby Australia has escalated the growing legal dispute with directors of former Super Rugby team Melbourne Rebels, alleging misleading and deceptive conduct by the club and preparing a counter-claim after a $30m lawsuit was lodged by the directors on Wednesday.

The Rebels were placed into voluntary administration in January, and Rugby Australia took control of the club. The governing body decided against reinstating Melbourne’s Super Rugby licence in May, triggering a legal to-and-fro which has exploded this week.