The provincial unions believe the heart of rugby has been secured with the New Zealand Rugby governance vote going their way. 

A bid for fully independent governance has been rejected - the board will require three members holding experience as a provincial director.

Provincial unions spokesperson Rowena Duncum says this verdict is a good decision for New Zealand rugby.

"There's two things that rugby players love - they love playing rugby and they love getting paid to play the game they love. So they won't want to walk."

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