NPC a dying brand?

It appears several 'revamps' have failed to prevent New Zealand's domestic championship from sliding into oblivion.

According to the New Zealand media the National Provincial Championship is becoming an almost unbearable financial burden for the NZ Rugby Union once again, despite attempts to improve the product.

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew has revealed provincial referees were told to "encourage a free-moving game" this season to draw greater crowd numbers.

However, empty seats remain a growing blight, forcing some unions into difficulty.

"We've asked the referees to change a few things to keep the ball alive. I think we've seen some very good rugby actually," Tew said in an article published on 3news.

"But we are struggling to get people through the gate."

Significant revamps to the NPC in 2006 and 2011 had initially helped stave off financial previous problems, but Tew says diminishing crowds and the reduction in gaming money was hitting hard.

He also forecasts a tightening of alcohol sponsorship for his sport, which would create further pressure.

A review of the 14-team two-division structure will conclude at the end of next year, by which time Tew says more changes are a strong possibility.

He says only two or three of the bigger unions earn more money from gate takings than they do from NZRU financial support, which isn't sustainable in the long term.

"We don't want to get in a situation where we're entirely supporting provincial rugby because if we catch a cold, they're going to get sick pretty quickly."

Tew's concerns come at a time when NZRU is set to exceed overall budget targets for the financial year.

Sources: NZN & 3news