Photo: PHOTOSPORT
All 12 of the country's minor provincial unions have come out in support of New Zealand Rugby's proposed deal with US company Silver Lake.
The proposed $460 million deal would give Silver Lake a 15 percent stake in the game which is cause for concern for some top players, prompting them to write to New Zealand Rugby raising concerns.
A mediator has been called in to try and resolve a stand off between NZ Rugby (NZR) and the Players Association (NZRPA).
All 12 of the Heartland Provincial Unions came out in support of the deal in a statement today.
"We believe it is time for our views to be heard because rugby for all of our players and participants starts in our communities and Heartland Rugby is all about community rugby," Heartland group chair Bridget Belsham.