I'm pretty sure the kids get a training kit and various other goodies too. To get the right coaches it does cost too.
Ideally it'd be free for the kids, but lets be realistic, we dont have a cash cow national team (like the all blacks) or a professional competition which also makes $$$ of tv rights etc (super 15/NPC). Until NZF can get these it will always be user pays
I'm pretty sure the kids get a training kit and various other goodies too. To get the right coaches it does cost too.
Ideally it'd be free for the kids, but lets be realistic, we dont have a cash cow national team (like the all blacks) or a professional competition which also makes $$$ of tv rights etc (super 15/NPC). Until NZF can get these it will always be user pays