The Maori Rugby Board has thrown its weight behind attempts by the Northland union to stay at the top level of provincial rugby.
Northland and Tasman are both challenging their likely removal from the current 14-team first division. The New Zealand Rugby Union is due to make a final decision on 25 September.
In a submission, the Maori Rugby Board states the national union will fail to meet its own constitution and its community rugby plan if it removes Northland.
It says the province is second only to Bay of Plenty in numbers of Maori players.
Board chairman Paul Quinn says Northland's demotion will mean young Maori players will leave the region for other provinces, play overseas, or switch to rugby league.
