Delight as Tasman given reprieve

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Tasman rugby chiefs have hailed their temporary reprieve but have urged the New Zealand Rugby Union to make a final decision on the longterm future of the national championships within six months.

Nick Patterson, chairman of the Tasman Rugby Union, said yesterday that the NZRU's decision to retain a 14-team first division next year was "no more than we deserved".

"We are delighted. We figure it's just reward for the performances we've put in, on and off the paddock, over the last 12 months.

"We really feel that we've got no more than we deserved."

But Tasman's short-term survival is tempered by news the NZRU still prefers a 10 team premier division in the 2011 and 2012 – subject to further discussions.

Patterson said there was "some work to be done and debate to be had on where we go from 2011 onwards".

"My biggest concern is we've got to get that debate over and done with quick smart, by that I mean in the next three to six months, so there's some longevity to this decision and people like Tasman can get on and make plans for the future with a lot more surety."

Tasman, who turned a net deficit of almost $2 million in 2008 into a six-figure profit this year, lodged an appeal against the NZRU's initial decision to cut the premier division to 10 teams in 2010. Counties-Manakau, Northland and Manawatu – the other three unions targeted for demotion – were also celebrating the u-turn yesterday.

NZRU chairman Jock Hobbs admitted yesterday the threat of legal action and ongoing collective bargaining talks with the Players Association were factors behind the decision to stay with the status quo next year. Makos coach Bevan Cadwallader said the Makos had had a good season, "where it really counts – on the footy field. That's got to be where teams are judged."

He said the teams was "thankful for all the support we've had and for all the people who fought for us all season".

Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Hamish Riach was "pleased to see [the NZRU] have stuck with their position around 10 teams going forward".

"But, for 2010, we can understand why there has been a pragmatic decision to stick with 14 teams, given the issues of legal challenges and the collective bargaining process."

- © Fairfax NZ News