Bays backs Marlborough in NPC bid

Nelson Bays and Marlborough are to make a joint bid for inclusion in next year's NPC premier division.

Nelson Bays' club delegates and life members last night voted unanimously in favour of the proposed merger at a special meeting.

The Marlborough union had voted unanimously in support of the bid last Wednesday, with the application for inclusion in the new competition to be lodged with the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) by tomorrow.

The application is one of four bids chasing two additional places in the premier division - the others are Hawke's Bay, Counties-Manukau and Manawatu.

Nelson Bays Rugby Union chairman Max Spence said: "It's fantastic that two unions can sit down around a table and deal to what were some issues and get to the point where we are tonight.

"It augurs well for the future -- if only New Zealand (Rugby Union) will give us a chance."

Spence said there had been significant support from the Crusaders franchise.

"Based on what's in the submission, and given that this is an area that's going ahead in terms of growth, all the indicators have been positive," he said.

"The fact that we provide the Crusaders franchise with another salary cap is of some considerable note. The Crusaders are very supportive and are right behind us.

"Another South Island team is attractive to sponsors and the public at large. It's something that people will buy into."

Spence said that both unions were still working hard to develop the facilities at both Nelson's Trafalgar Park and Blenheim's Lansdowne Park in order to meet the strict NZRU criteria. But they needed confirmation from the NZRU before making any firm financial commitments.

The NZRU is scheduled to announce the makeup of the 2006 NPC competitions at the end of May.

- NZPA