The women's team was a victim of the Otago Rugby Football Union's financial collapse, with a bail-out deal not providing funding for the Spirit to play in the national competition.
But a renewed focus on the team's plight, led by Highlanders star Adam Thomson and Otago Daily Times columnist and former Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer, offers hope to the best female rugby players in the province.
ORFU change manager Jeremy Curragh spoke to Dr Palmer yesterday, and will be meeting team representatives today.
"There's a real willingness to get this back on track," Mr Curragh said.
"The union is supporting this initiative and we're keen to work with the Otago women. We can't front with the dollars, but we can support them as much as we can."
Mr Curragh said about $20,000 would need to be raised by the end of this month to give the New Zealand Rugby Union time to rejig the national championship.
Otago women's rugby stalwart Margaret McCarrigan will attend today's meeting and has been looking at establishing a bank account to accept donations.
The account would need to be operated outside the auspices of the ORFU, Mr Curragh said.
The plight of the Otago women gained national attention yesterday when Dr Palmer made a plea in her ODT column for funds to be found for the team.
She and former ODT sports reporter Richard Boock also spoke on the issue on Radio Sport.
Dr Palmer said the story seemed to have spread "like wildfire" and she was delighted a possible solution had been found.
Thomson then took up the baton, pledging his support on Twitter and promising to donate gear to be sold to raise funds for the team. Last night he set up a website (http://otagospiritfundraising.tumblr.com) for people to donate money to the Spirit.
Any rescue package would be welcomed by Anika Tiplady and Halie Hurring, two players likely to wear the Otago jersey if a team can be revived.
Tiplady (31) is a former Black Fern, while Hurring (26) played for New Zealand at last year's women's world cup.
Both players transferred to Dunedin from Christchurch this year. Their initial excitement at hearing Waikato had been added to the national championship turned to dismay when they realised it was at Otago's expense.
