RUGBY FOOTBALL CANTABRIAN CLUB

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28155, 19 December 1956, Page 20

RUGBY FOOTBALL CANTABRIAN CLUB

OBJECT OF FOSTERING GAME

FORMED BY WELL KNOWN PLAYERS

The spirit which ran high in provincial Rugby players while Canterbury held the Ranfurly Shield will be retained by the formation of the Cantabrian Rugby Football Club. The club, a non-profit organisation, will be open to players with certain qualifications in the way of long service to Rugby in Canterbury. The idea of forming such a club was that of three well-known All Black and Canterbury players—R. H. Duff, P. B. Vincent, and R. M. Smith. Their object in establishing a club of this kind was mainly to foster Rugby in Canterbury and keep together all the players who have dropped out of the game. Duff has been elected president. Mr R. C. Stuart is club captain and the committee comprises Messrs K. F. Meates, M. J. Dixon. B. P. Eastgate and E. Hern. Mr Smith is secretary. It is not intended that the club should emulate the Barbarians or the Centurions in playing a large number of matches. The club does not wish to interfere with clubs or the union, and it is not intended to play more than one or two matches a season. Members of the club will, upon request, be available to speak at meetings, and the club will assist in organising charity matches, coaching schemes and arranging film evenings. It is possible the club will open its programme next year with a match at Kaikoura before the club competitions in Christchurch open. The club already, has 18 inaugural members and it is expected that ultimately it will have a membership of several dozen voting members and at least as many honorary members. The honorary members will be eligible to plav and attend club functions but they will not have voting powers. There are many players eligible for full membership or honorary membership from as far back as 1900. The club colours will be scarlet jersey with a black collar and black cuffs.