KEY POINTS:
Northland and Tasman have formally lodged objections to their forced demotion from the national provincial competition.
The NZ Rugby Union this month told the two provinces they would be axed from the competition in 2009 as the number of competing teams was cut from 14 to 12.
Both provinces forwarded submissions to the NZRFU yesterday as they seek a lifeline to retain their status in the premier competition.
The NZRFU assessed provincial unions on a number of criteria, from population and player numbers to financial performance and administration, with the bottom two facing relegation to the second-tier Heartland Championship.
They had until yesterday to formally comment before the NZRFU finalises its plans on September 25 for the 2009 season.
Northland chief executive Wayne Peters said he expected to meet NZRFU officials on or before that date to articulate Northland's case for retention.
"Our submission has been filed detailing why we consider the decision was flawed. We have also set out our business case for the next three years."
Peters said Northland scored poorly in the NZRFU's assessments in areas such as finance, governance and player development.
"We were perceived to be weak in those areas but we were not correctly assessed."
Tasman's shaky financial standing counted heavily against it when it was earmarked for relegation.
An amalgamation of the former Nelson Bays and Marlborough provinces, Tasman had to be given a $340,000 handout from the NZRFU this month to enable its players to be paid fully this season.
Tasman chief executive Peter Barr said his organisation's player wages bill totalled $1.2 million this season.
"It's no secret that the salary cap needs to be reduced."
Like Northland, Tasman did not believe it had been assessed fairly by the NZRFU, said Barr.
Marlborough wants to withdraw from Tasman and play in its own right in the second tier.
- NZPA
