New Zealand hit by cash crisis

News overnight that the credit crunch has hit New Zealand rugby in a big way. Its too early to judge whether the Kiwis are unique in being impacted badly by the global financial crisis or other nations are keeping quiet about it, but the cutbacks will affect every aspect of New Zealand rugby, including the womens team - just as they should be gearing up to defend the World Cup in 2010.

The statement is, in fact, a bit vague when it comes to the women: 

"The Black Ferns will have a limited programme in 2009, which will be geared at maintaining continuity and preparations for the Women's Rugby World Cup in 2010. Women's players will be in contention for the New Zealand Women's Sevens team which will play at the first ever Women's Rugby World Cup Sevens tournament in Dubai in March."

They didn't exactly have an extensive programme to begin with, playing only Australia in 2007 and 2008, so this might point to an end to even that fixture in 2009. However in the lead-up to previous World Cups the Kiwis have visited North America for various international tournaments - it may be that they will have to prepare this time without the benefit of these events. 

Elsewhere, England continue their preparations with their "uncapped friendly" (to quote Irish sources) against an Irish President's XV on Saturday. The dispute between the two nations over the status of the game remains unexplained, but is reflected in their selections. While England will be close to full strength the Irish squad includes only three players who started last season's Six Nations game between the two teams while including five players who were not atthe recent 40-strong Irish national training camp. A pretty comprehensive England win can be expected in a game that will tell us very little about the strength of the two teams for the 2009 Six Nations.