Pacific Nations Cup Champions New Zealand Maori will not defend their title next year as the New Zealand Rugby Union have today announced that they will trim $1 million from the side.

NZRU Chief Executive Steve Tew said the Maori side will be replaced in the PNC by the Junior All Blacks.

He said given the limited opportunity to assemble a national side in 2009, priority is being given to the Junior All Blacks as the country's second rated team.

Meanwhile, Australia A has pulled out from next season's PNC and this has left the competition with only five teams.

Flying Fijian Coach, Ilivasi Tabua was hoping to use the PNC as a testing ground for new players for the upcoming 2011 World Cup was surprised at the announcement.

Tabua had high hopes for next year's competition although Fiji has failed to win it, which has been dominated by New Zealand's Junior All Blacks in 2007 and New Zealand Maori in 2008.

He said with Australia A now out, this could be a blow to Fiji's preparation for the 2011 Rugby World Cup.