FOOTBALL.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 13188, 7 August 1908, Page 7

FOOTBALL.

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION. (PRESS ASSOCIATION - TELEGRAM). AVELLINGTON, August 0. At a meeting of the Management Coinmitteo of tiio New Zealand Rugby Union to-night, in connection with tho recent disqualification of tho members of two teams in lnvercargill for refusing to play a match, it was decided to inform the Southland Union that at present no further action seemed necessary, but that in tho event of any broach of tho miles of profeis.--ioii.al ism, the Southland Union would be relied on to Uiko any action that might bo neeertaary. This d(vision was come to iv consequence of a threat on the part of tiio suspended players to tako up the Northern Union game.

Tho AA'elluigton Union forwarded the application of fcs. Paul, of tho Poncke Club, for reinstatement as an amateur, ho having played in the Baskervillo l>enefit match under Northern Union rides. AVith a view to dealing generally with all recent breaches of tho laws as to professionalism, it was decided to circularise all unions asking them to forward tho names of all players and officials who havo committed! such breaches. AVith regard to Paul's case, it was decided to point out to tbe AVellington Union that the matter had not beeit reported to tho New Zealand Union, which could not, therefore, deal with it.

An application by D. Gilchrist, a member of the professional team which toured the Old Country, to have his disqualification removed, was not entertained.

The AA'ellington Union forwarded a letter from tbe AVallaoe Testimonial Committee asking permission to play a match with a view to raising money for tho fund-. It was decided to re-dy that such a match could not be played, as it would bo a breach of the) rules regarding professionalism, and that any players taking part in it would havo ±o be disqualified-.