Smaller rugby unions set to survive changes

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Far-reaching changes should not, as feared, spell the end for New Zealand's smaller unions under the proposals for a revamped NPC.

There had been concerns that the New Zealand Rugby Union might have forced smaller provincial unions to merge under plans to end 30 years of three-division NPC rugby at the end of the 2005 season.

Provided they meet yet-to-be-determined criteria, all 27 incumbent unions will survive. Unions could, however, still initiate moves to amalgamate.

The NPC started in 1976 with an 11-team first division and a second division split into north (nine teams) and south (six teams).

The new-look competition will have a first (professional/semi-professional) division of up to 12 teams and up to 15 "amateur" teams in the second.

Players in the first division will be paid, but unions will be subjected to a strict salary cap. Second division players will not be paid except for expenses.

The new competition, if approved, will start no later than the 2006 season.

The Thames Valley union, in a region bounded by Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Counties Manukau, could have been a prime candidate to merge with one of their neighbours.

Thames Valley chairman Neil Olesen, speaking after union chairmen had been briefed on the proposal yesterday, said he was happy with the new-look competition.

"They are heading in the right direction," Olesen said.

"We have no aspirations to move up [to the new-look first division]. Thames Valley - that's certainly our level.

"By banning loan and overseas players we will have a level-playing field," Olesen said. "The changes across the board appear far-reaching. We have to hope the money will filter back to all levels. Time will tell."

Otago chairman Ron Palenski said he had not had time to read "such a weighty document."

He said the unions had not been forewarned, but felt the proposal was "bold and visionary."

It was too early to say if the changes were what the game wanted.

"The world moves on. I didn't think the changes would be too far- reaching."

For major unions it should not be a worry, although the salary cap poses questions.

"I'm not sure about the time-frame. But what is ideal?"

In announcing the changes, NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs said the review had found that while the NPC was a successful competition, the first division produced too many uneven contests.

The change in the competition structure was aimed at addressing that imbalance. The NZRFU would review their funding of provincial unions next year on this issue.

The union must also look at sponsorship. A contract with Air New Zealand expires at the end of next year.