NZRU has provincial battle ahead

The NZRU appears to have a fight on its hands, if its plans for a new-style provincial rugby competition are to go ahead.

In a draft report, the Commerce Commission has approved the two million dollar salary cap for the Air New Zealand Cup, however it has not approved the format for the new first division.

The NZRU wants the competition to be amateur, with unpaid players and a ban on loaning players.

Deputy CEO Steve Tew said they have some convincing to do.

Tew said once they have absorbed the two hundred odd pages in the document, they will make further submissions.

Meanwhile North Otago Rugby Union CEO Colin Jackson has some meetings of his own to hold.

His union made an initial submission to the Commission, wanting players to be paid.

He said the union will hold a board meeting to discuss "where to next".

The Commerce Commission will accept further submissions from interested parties until the 3rd of April - a final decision to be made on the 26th of June.

- NEWSTALK ZB