Baden Stephenson - A Rebel with a Cause
2017 was a transformative year for the Melbourne Rebels. Having survived being axed from Super Rugby, they also transitioned from being privately owned to joining the Victoria Rugby Union stable. In today’s episode, we speak with Baden Stephenson about his greatest challenges and achievements since becoming the Rebels CEO in 2017. Considering the uncertainty of the time, Baden talks about his early priority in quickly building trust among stakeholders. Reflecting on the ‘start-up’ nature of the 2017 transitions, Baden highlights the importance of developing a club from the ground up. On the topic of sponsors, we talk about modern approaches to corporate partnerships, which involves aligning brands with your team’s culture. After sharing how the Rebels have been affected by COVID-19, Baden dives into his efforts in fostering the club’s accessibility and how management staff and players have helped grow community rugby. Baden then shares his perspective on Western Force getting cut from Super Rugby before touching on how the Rebels have developed talent and bring in local players. We discuss what Baden is hoping for in a new Rugby Australia CEO and why we need more positive messaging in the media. Near the end of the episode, Baden gives his insights on how we can make the game better for both broadcasters and viewers. Tune in to hear Baden’s fresh take on how we can improve the sport.
Key Points From This Episode:
- Baden shares his greatest achievements and challenges as CEO for the Melbourne Rebels.
- Connecting the Melbourne Rebels with the local community.
- What the Melbourne Rebels ownership and governance model has looked like.
- The importance of spending the capital to properly set up a new club.
- The need to align sponsors with your club’s culture and players.
- Using corporate partnerships to expand community rugby.
- How COVID-19 has affected the Melbourne Rebels.
- Players as club ambassadors who connect with sponsors and the community.
- Creating a holistic rugby environment where top clubs can support local rugby.
- Baden’s perspective surrounding Western Force getting cut from Super Rugby.
- Developing next-level talent without the NRC and bringing in local players.
- What Baden is hoping for in a new Rugby Australia CEO.
- Making the game more appealing for both broadcasters and watchers.
- The future of Super Rugby and Australia’s place in the world of rugby.
Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:
