FRENCHMEN WELCOMED

Press, Volume C, Issue 29557, 5 July 1961, Page 20

FRENCHMEN WELCOMED

Reception At Nelson (N.Z. Press Association) NELSON, July 4. The French Rugby team was given a warm welcome to Nelson today. Making its one and only appearance at a civic reception in New Zealand, the team was welcomed to the city by the Mayor, Mr S. Russell and given a welcome on behalf of the New Zealand Rugby Union by Mr M. S. Ingpen. Welcoming the team, Mr Russell spoke of the ancient ties the Nelson district had with the Frenchmen of more than one hundred years ago. Many place names in he district were given by Captain D'Urville, of the French Navy. The French manager, M. Marcel Laurent, in reply, said he hoped the opening match of the tour at Nelson on Saturday would be one which would leave many happy memories behind. He hoped it would be full of the attacking spirit and characterised by fine play. The reception was attended by a crowd of about 3000 The former captain of the French team, Michel Celaya, will remember the day quite well- It w r as his 31st birthday. and as well as receiving the greetings of the city at the civic reception he was the guest at a special function just before dinner. There was a cake and a bunch of flowers from the touring captain, Francois Moncla. and the trimmings, several bottles of champagne, were added by a member of the team who had lost a wager on the flight out from Paris and was repaying his debt.