The Tasman Rugby team begins its fight to stay in the top flight of New Zealand provincial rugby tonight, when it kicks off the Air New Zealand Cup with a match against Taranaki in Blenheim.
Tasman, which is one of the unions likely to be culled when the new 10-team Premier Championship starts next year, has some financial concerns, while on-field performances are also likely to be tested this season.
Tasman finished seventh last season, ahead of the likes of Taranaki, Otago, Auckland and North Harbour, and co-coach Kieren Keane says remaining in the top division is imperative for the survival of the side.
Keane cites good secondary school feeders as a key factor in Tasman's need to stay at the top, as those promising youngsters will move away if there's no career path at the top of the South Island.
