Manawatu Rugby Union seeks cash

Manawatu's days in professional rugby could be numbered unless more sponsorship is found, Manawatu Rugby Union chief executive Hadyn Smith says.

He says $1.6 million is needed to cover each year's team operations.

The union has raised about $1 million and 16 underwriters will have to make up the difference if more is not raised.

The underwriters were secured last year so Manawatu could make its premier bid.

So far the union has an overall operational shortfall of $300,000.

The union is trimming its budgets and last week cancelled the representative team's two-match tour to Fiji, saving $75,000.