KEY POINTS:
The Maori Affairs Minister has accused the Rugby Union of being happy to take, without giving a lot in return.
The union announced this week it needed to cut costs because of worsening economic forecasts for 2009.
The Maori team, Heartland XV, Black Ferns, age grade and development programmes are affected - these savings amount to $1 million.
Dr Pita Sharples said Maori had contributed much to rugby over the past 20 years - the haka, a distinctive playing style, legendary players - but that didn't seem to count for much.
"While the Rugby Union must make its own commercial decisions, it must also recognise that Maori rugby is an icon of New Zealand's unique history. Maori will no doubt wonder why the NZFU is prepared to incorporate a 'Maori brand' into its marketing strategies, and to seek copyright over the haka, without committing, in return, to Maori participation in rugby."
Ex-players were also angry.
All Black legend Buck Shelford said he was disappointed the Maori team - which had been ranked second nationally in the early part of the decade - now ranked behind the Junior All Blacks.
