League BAN ON TRANSFER OF PLAYERS .

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 29070, 5 December 1959, Page 6

League BAN ON TRANSFER OF PLAYERS .

Restrictions In Force For Another Year

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, December 4. Tire ban on the transfer of New Zealand League players overseas, which applied to Rugby men as well, would be continued until December, 1960, said the chairman of the New Zealand Rugby League (Mr J. W. Watson) yesterday. Mr Watson returned from the international conference in Leeds.

The International Rugby League Board had not actually discussed the ban, although it was on the agenda, because by previous agreement it still had the year to run. “Some o fthe English clubs are strongly in favour of relaxing the ban. They need name players, and New Zealand will have to watch this question closely,”, said Mr Watson. Asked about the reported approach of a Sydney League club. Manly Warringah. to the New Zealand player. M. H. Raureti (Hamilton), Mr Watson said that he, too. would come under the ruling. Australia had agreed not to approach any New Zealand players in either Rugby or Rugby League. ‘Even Australia could not stand the lifting of the ban if it cSme to the pinch.” said Mr Watson. "Its tw.o star backs. Wells and Gasnier, would be snapped up immediately. It could break the Australian backline, for there is no abundance of class players.”