Northland politicians to fight for rugby team

Northland's political leaders will fight plans to demote their rugby team to a second tier competition.

Whangarei Mayor Stan Semenoff, Far North MP John Carter and Labour list MP Shane Jones met the heads of the Northland Rugby Union in Whangarei yesterday to give their support in tackling the problem.

The New Zealand Rugby Union announced on Monday in a draft decision its intention to drop the Northland team from the professional Air NZ Cup.

Northland would instead have to compete in the amateur Heartland Cup.

Carter said the political leaders had banded together to present a unified voice to back their local union in its fight against the proposed demotion.

"We are determined not to allow this region to become passed over ... this is a premium provincial rugby area."

Carter said Northland was proud of its rugby team and had outstanding players but its talent would be creamed off to other unions.

"We are going to fight this every inch of the way."

Jones said Northland had over 50 local rugby clubs and a huge percentage of Maori youth played the game.

"We have a very proud tradition ... rugby is of major importance to Maori communities."

He wanted to see Maori leaders stand up and contribute moral and financial support to the game.

NRU chairman Wayne Peters said the union was being judged before it had even ended its three year competition which did not accurately reflect its potential.

Northland had geographical challenges and an economic catchment which affected costs.

Deputy chairman Andrew Golightly said the union would now collect all the relevant information to make fair comparisons with other unions, before any decision was taken about potential legal action.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew said a final decision would be made next month which provided opportunity for feedback.

If Northland was demoted it would have the chance to fight its way back.

"We know how sensitive and important this is for local communities ... we are aware any such decisions have ramifications right through the game."