Mains backs union over restrictions slating

Former All Black coach Laurie Mains supports the New Zealand Rugby Union's criticism of commercial restrictions which have sparked threats of a World Cup withdrawal in 2015.

NZRU chief executive Steve Tew says competing in the World Cup will cost his union NZ$13.2 million ($10.4 million), numbers that are making them consider not playing in the 2015 World Cup unless the International Rugby Board changes its commercial rules for the tournament.

British newspapers the Guardian and Daily Telegraph say the IRB will announce a review of its World Cup financial model next May.

Mains has told Radio Sport, "Why should your major stars be in a debt situation to make money for somebody else? It doesn't really make any sense."