Trust to aid of Southland

The Invercargill Licensing Trust will help cash-strapped Southland, but warned it is up to the New Zealand Rugby Union to address the issues facing the sport in the provinces.

Trust marketing manager Gary Muir yesterday announced an extra grant of $100,000 to the ailing province, taking the trust's total commitment this year up to $415,000.

Muir said the NZRU had to look hard at what was happening to rugby in the provinces, with unions like Southland perennially struggling against the Super 12 franchise bases such as Auckland and Canterbury.

Rugby Southland chief executive Roger Clark said the money would give the union a lot more security.

"It's certainly eased some of the worry lines. After making four deficits in five years the extra money will help us going forward."

Westpac, the team's long-time sponsor, ended its association with the team in December.

- NZPA