TEAM FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29058, 21 November 1959, Page 15

TEAM FOR SOUTH AFRICA

Extensive Outfitting Approved (From Out Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, November 20. The New Zealand Rugby team to tour South Africa next year will probably be the most sartorially elegant team ever to leave the country. At its meeting yesterday, the council of the New Zealand Rugby Union spent considerable time discussing football gear, player’s dress and mementoes of the visit, and samples, of cloth and colourings were inspected fastidiously before final selections were made.

The list is an impressive one. Three complete sets of playing gear, all jerseys numbered from one to 30, will be taken for provincial matches, plus a further four complete sets for the test matches, numbered one to 15. Two of the sets designed for provincial games will be of fairly heavy, stressed material, slightly padded at the shoulders. This type of jersey, although heavier, was worn against the British Isles this year. The four test sets and the other sets for provincial games, will be of lighter material. In the shorts, slits will be left in the sides to allow players to insert foam rubber or padding to prevent skin burning and as an added protection against skin burns, nylon under-shorts similar to those worn in Australia in 1957 will be provided each player. Two pairs of boots will be issued to each player. The following items of dress will be provided by the union: two pairs of grey sports trousers; one blazer and one dress blazer with a silver-thread silver fern on the pocket (no lettering) and silver buttons, with matching trousers, to be used for official functions; two white shirts; two pairs of grey socks; six ties per player and 15 for each manager (210 tor the party, plus others to give away); one jersey (grey with black and white bands on the bottom, cuffs and V-neck; a black canvas gear bag and a diary with the player’s initials embossed on the cover (if time permits). As well, at least 10,000 miniature silver fem lapel badges will be taken. It will be left to the executive to decide on a type of plaque to be taken to present to unions, Plus other momentoes of paua shell and more ornate silver fern badges to higher officials. z •