Northland more than likely will stay up, why? Wayne Peters now on the board at NZRU
Read what I wrote. I said have a good chance of staying up, not more than likely staying up.
Check the criteria, then do some research. Actually I will help you out a little bit...
The criteria involve population (10 per cent), community rugby (25 per
cent), playing history (20 per cent), player development (15 per cent)
and financial position and performance (30 per cent).
2007 Total Players (in order)
Auckland 19,406
Canterbury 13,747
Wellington 10,701
Waikato 9,151
North Harbour 8,918
Bay of Plenty 8,692
Otago 6,829
Counties Manukau 6,416
Northland 6,321
Hawke�s Bay 6,243Tasman 4,702
Southland 4,621
Manawatu 4,532
Taranaki 4,033
Their you go, that's community rugby, not much between the 4 middle unions that are in bold. Now that is a quarter of the criteria and it puts Northland at 8th. Financial position and performance which is worth 30%, Northland have made a loss in one season (2007/2008 financial year) but have made profits every other year. Most other Unions have recorded losses, including some of the big 5, and some of the unions have lost over one million dollars in one year!! So would be very surprised if they don't make the top 10 for that criteria.
General population Northland have a very similar population to HB 5,000 less I think. A better population than Southland, Taranaki, Tasman and Manawatu I think...That's another 10%. Player development is on the improve, but Northland will rank in the bottom 4 for that unfortunately. A good season this year will see Northland break into the top 10 for playing history (currently sitting 10th)
I wouldn't mind betting you are the victim of the lazy media who don't do any research and are fooled by the 3 pathetic years where Northland didn't win a game in 04-06. And just because the NZRU went on an unjust crusade to kick Northland out last year with a smear campaign, doesn't make them right, evidenced by their embarassing backdown. Northland are not guarenteed to survive, but their chances are better than what the greater public presumes!!