Can Richie McCaw help save the Otago union?

Richie McCaw. Photo / Sarah Ivey

All Blacks captain Richie McCaw is part of a high-powered rugby delegation in Dunedin to negotiate a north-south fundraising match, as part of a final push to save the Otago Rugby Football Union.

The group has been involved in behind-the-scenes discussions this week over a possible rescue package for the union, which was saddled with $2.35 million in debt and faced liquidation at 4pm today.

McCaw - a board member of the Rugby Players Association - was among rugby representatives to meet Dunedin City Council chief executive Paul Orders and Forsyth Barr Stadium chief executive David Davies yesterday.

That followed a meeting with Mr Orders on Wednesday, both also attended by Rugby Players Association chief executive Rob Nichol, Otago union change manager Jeremy Curragh and players' agent Warren Alcock.

Mr Orders would not comment yesterday, but Mr Davies confirmed a charity match between North and South Island teams and top players was among the ideas being negotiated.

Exact details - including how the match could be squeezed into a busy playing schedule - were yet to be confirmed. However, Mr Davies said he would "absolutely do the level best we can" to make the match happen, as part of a wider rescue package.

It was revealed this week that the Otago union owed the council nearly $400,000 in unpaid rent and other charges for Carisbrook since selling the old ground.

Mr Curragh said there was "a hell of a lot of work going on" ahead of today's 4pm deadline.

"It's got to be an arrangement, and always has been, that works for all parties ..."