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CLubs left in limbo |
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Written by Site Admin
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Tuesday, 20 March 2007 |
Manawatu's clubs sat and waited last night for their board's decision on their future rather like vulcanologists had waited for the lahar to burst out of Mt Ruapehu.
Instead, nothing happened.
After two-and-a-half hours of "robust" discussion, the board decided it wanted more information.
"We have not decided anything," said Manawatu Rugby Union chairman Tony Murphy. "We need more time.
"We haven't come to a decision and we may take another couple of weeks."
"But we have reaffirmed some of our commitment to having a meaningful competition."
Murphy wouldn't reveal what information would be sought, despite union staff having visited all 16 clubs between December 11 and February 27.
Last week it seemed certain the union would take a deep breath and vote for a 10-team format for 2008, chopping two senior first clubs.
But the Manawatu Standard understands there was intensive lobbying of some directors over the weekend and a reduced competition by no means became a certainty.
That followed a 16-11 vote by the club rugby council last Wednesday against reducing the numbers.
"We must take consideration of what the clubs are saying," said Murphy last night.
He said he was confident the directors were thinking independently, despite the heat from the clubs. In the past that has always stymied change and might happen again.
A few clubs are shaky in terms of playing numbers and one option might be for the board to hold off and let natural attrition do the job.
The union bylaws already state senior first clubs must have two back-up teams and Murphy said the board will insist on that. Most clubs in their submissions agreed.
When asked if the union would emulate soccer and procrastinate for weeks, Murphy said that wouldn't happen.
"We would like to give clubs as much notice as we can but it doesn't mean we will be bulldozed into making a decision."
On Thursday, Murphy stressed last night was D-Day and the clubs were told they'd be given the new format before the season starts on March 31. That now seems unlikely.
The Oroua Rugby Club has been the most vociferous opponent of change and president Gary Nesdale said the clubs needed certainty.
"We need a date. The clubs have kept to their end of the bargain.," he said.
"Hopefully if nothing happens, this process has been a catalyst for clubs to recruit players and get stronger."
He said the whole issue was not about rep rugby but about club rugby.
"You don't buy a house and rip the piles out. Do you throw a whole club out because you haven't got an adequate colts side."
He appreciates the club competition needs strengthening but asks how cutting it down will make it stronger when expanding the Air New Zealand Cup was supposed to make that competition stronger.
"Every single club wants the Turbos to do well but we're talking about average club players who will never be rep players. As club administrators we've been elected to speak for the base core of players.
"It amazes me that many administrators have been blinded by the pro hype and have forgotten ordinary club players."
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