Rugby: Counties-Manukau deny axing reports

Counties-Manukau have reacted quickly to deny a report which suggested they are about to voluntarily pull out of the domestic Air NZ Cup rugby competition.

"Counties Manukau Rugby has not been advised that they are out of this year's Air New Zealand Cup competition," chief executive Phil McConnell said today.

"They have also not been in player payment discussions with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU), nor have they volunteered to go to Heartland competition."

The Sunday Star-Times reported that at least two provincial unions would be axed from this year's Air NZ Cup, and more could follow as the premier provincial rugby competition was revamped yet again.

Details of the new competition were to be kept secret until later this week.

However, key details were leaked to the newspaper, which reported that Counties-Manukau were believed to have volunteered to be culled from the cup.

Others wanting to continue in the cup would be asked to justify their inclusion by reapplying to the NZRU, and up to three more teams could be axed on the grounds they no longer met the criteria agreed to when they entered, it was reported.

After Counties-Manukau, Tasman and Northland are in the most danger of being axed.

When the NZRU measured all 14 unions against the competition criteria last year, Tasman were last and Northland second last.

Auckland were top, followed by Canterbury, Wellington, North Harbour, Waikato, Hawke's Bay, Otago, Taranaki, Counties, Manawatu, Bay of Plenty, Southland, Tasman, Northland.

McConnell said he had fielded many calls today from stakeholders, sponsors, players and staff regarding the article.

The NZRU also took issue with the newspaper's report, saying in a statement there would be no change to the Air NZ Cup in 2009.

"As announced to the media on Friday, any changes to the competition are planned for 2011, but could be introduced in 2010 if all parties are in agreement.

"However, there are no plans for change in 2009."

NZRU general manager provincial union and community rugby Brent Anderson said the story caused significant and unnecessary distress to those involved in Counties-Manukau rugby.

North Harbour chairman John Morgan had told the newspaper the recession had delivered a heavy dose of reality for every rugby union, particularly those who were battling to stay in the big time even when things were good.

"The recession has concentrated the mind perfectly," he said.

"Whatever is right for New Zealand rugby, we will go with the flow."

Morgan said if that meant North Harbour was demoted to a second division competition, then so be it.

"We are not interested in mounting challenges and what have you. The NZRU has tried a few things which I believe was the right thing to do.

"We now know what doesn't work but we don't want to throw the baby out with the bath water."

- NZPA