FRENCH TEAM’S N.Z. TOUR

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29264, 23 July 1960, Page 15

FRENCH TEAM’S N.Z. TOUR

“Many Good Players May Be Left Behind”

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND, July 22. The Algerian military situation may force France to leave many of its International Rugby players behind when it tours Australia and New Zealand next year. Unless the situation improved —and this seemed unlikely—the players were almost certain to be held in Algeria to complete their two years, eight months’ military duty, said a French journalist, Denis Garcia, in Auckland today. All Frenchmen between 20 and 23 years of age were liable for service in Algeria and Francis Rossi was barely released in time for the tour of the French Rugby League teem at present in New Zeeland. The Minister of the Army had released the brilliant winger. Jan Du Proez for the 1958 Rugby tour of South Africa, but It was an exception not likely to be made next year if the Algerian situation remained tense, said Mt Garcia. A long tour of Australia and New Zealand could affect other players, as in France many had difficulty in leaving their jobs for longer than the statutory one month’s holiday, Mr Garcia said. But he predicted that, even with these losses and the transfer of the International players, Pierre Lacaze, Claude Mantoulan, Aldo Quaglfo, and Jean Barthe ‘ to League, France would send a powerful team to New Zealand.