#MPs rally to save Otago #Rugby

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Otago Rugby: Troubled times

With New Zealand rugby still reeling from the news that the Otago Rugby Union will go into administration, a rescue effort has begun.

The Union announced on Monday that it would file for administration on Friday as it is unable to manage its debt of over NZ$ 2 million (£1.06 million) following a loss of $862,000 in the last financial year.

Some have not given up hope of saving the 126-year-old union, with former NZRU boss David Moffat - who helped turn around Welsh rugby - offering his help and local Members of Parliament pledging to support a plan to save rugby in the area.

"We believe Otago can and should have functioning rugby teams at the highest level," Dunedin Labour MP Clare Curran told Fuseworks.

"The important priorities right now are to ensure that our community supports local clubs, that our kids continue to play rugby and that the clubs continue to function.

"Any moves to develop a rescue package which would ensure Otago has a team competing in this year's ITM will also have our support."

Fellow MP David Clark insisted that there was still hope.

"However, hope remains. We note that last year the National Union contributed to a bailout for Rugby Southland," he said.

Curran and Clark agreed that local support was vital to any attempt to save the Union.

"Local clubs are hugely important, not only because they keep our kids involved in the sport, but because they act as focal points for our communities," said Curran.

"The support of the NZRU has been great," added Clark.

"I would really encourage the community to get involved and help keep both local and bigger events running."

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