WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION.

Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 224, 27 September 1897, Page 2

WELLINGTON RUGBY UNION.

ALLEGED ROUGH PLAY.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AVELLINGTON, this day

At a meeting of the AA 7ellington Rugby Union on Friday nignt, the manager of the Wellington representative team Avhich recently toured the South submitted a report, in Avhich he entirely and emphatically contradicted the statements of the Dunedin press as to the roughness and brutality of the AVellington men. He referred to the demonstration against the team both going to and coming from the field as most shameful, and a disgrace to any province. He said it was the desire of himself and every member of the team that the AVellington Union should take steps to officially contradict the

statements made. He mentioned that the team Avere right royally entertained by the officers of the various unions in the South. The conduct of the team throughout the tour was creditable to the Wellington Union. In reference to a communication from the New Zealand RugbyUnion asking what action the Wellington Rugby Union intended to take with regard to the alleged rough play in the Wellingtbn-Otago match, the follovring resolution was passed: —"That it is the intention of this Union to hold an inquiry into the matter, but it challenges the right of the New Zealand Union to raise the point unless the Wellington Union fails to comply with laAv 10, and it points out that the New Zealand Union only has the right to interfere under law 14 in the event of laAv 10 not being complied Avith." The Union also decided to Avrite to the Otago Union draAving their attention to the statements in the press and asking whether they confirm or repudiate them; and if the former, would they formulate their statements, especially as regards the alleged brutal and rough play? It Avas also resolved to write to the referee asking him for an exhaustive and official report in regard to the match.