Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Provinces have to make sensible decisions about finances says NZRU CEO

Updated at 6:46 pm on 15 March 2010

The chief executive of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Steve Tew, says its up to provincial unions to stay within their means in this year's National Provincial Championship.

A new title sponsor, ITM, and the draw has been released for the competition which this year will be the last involving 14 teams.... next year the top 7 will play in a Premier Division.

With Counties-Manukau interested in signing the likes of Tana Umaga and perhaps Sonny Bill Williams, the question has been raised, will provinces bust the bank in an attempt to stay in the top flight?

Tew while unions have to make their own decisions after getting a reality check last year over players' salaries and the NZRU's hoping they'll make sensible decision,

The new season opens at the end of July with Taranaki hosting Northland.

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