Rugby: East Coast decline rugby promotion

East Coast will remain in the national rugby third-division championship next season.

The East Coast Rugby Union has decided against seeking promotion to the second division after considering the financial implications and lack of player depth in the province.

East Coast beat neighbours Poverty Bay in the third-division final last month and the New Zealand Rugby Football Union invited them and the other seven teams in the division to apply for promotion.

Apart from East Coast, none responded, the NZRFU said.

East Coast asked for some time to consider applying but declined the invitation yesterday.

"We reached our decision after considering the financial implications of promotion, plus the limitations of our player base," East Coast chairman Bill Burdett said.

"We certainly enjoyed the euphoria that surrounded our victory, and that was significant in our final decision.

"However, we are of the view that because of the nature of the competition, together with the overall culture within, division three suits our union best."

East Coast's decision means next season's third division will still be played by eight teams.

Second-division winners Nelson Bays and runners-up Bay of Plenty are considering promotion to the first division.

Their decisions are expected next week.

- NZPA