Provinces staking claims for NPC

Provinces yesterday began making their verbal cases for places in next year's NPC premier division.

Fourteen bids are in for spots in the 12-team competition, and 15 places are available in the modified amateur first division.

Bids were with the New Zealand Rugby Union by March 31 and yesterday a union subcommittee began hearing submissions from applicants.

Eight unions yesterday made their case to the subcommittee comprising NZRFU chairman Jock Hobbs and board members Warwick Syers, Paul Quinn, Graham Mourie and Mike Eagle.

They were premier division bidders North Harbour, Northland, Nelson-Marlborough, Southland, Taranaki and Manawatu, and amateur division candidates Horowhenua-Kapiti and East Coast. Premier applicants Counties Manukau, Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty have their turn today, as do first division hopefuls Poverty Bay.

Of the 14 chasing premier spots, only the big five of Auckland, Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago are not taking the opportunity to appear before the subcommittee to talk to their case.

A decision is expected by May 27.