Canterbury Changes Its Rugby Selectors

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30108, 17 April 1963, Page 21

Canterbury Changes Its Rugby Selectors

I he Canterbury -back selector for the past four years, Mr P. B. Vincent, was defeated for the position this year by Mr M. J. Dixon. The elections for selectors were held by the manage* ment committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening.

Mr R. H. Duff was appointed as forward selector. The former selector, Mr P. K. Rhind, did not stand this year.

Four nominations —Messrs Vincent, Dixon, P, D. Clark and G. T. Nolan—were received for the position of back selector. Mr Vincent was nominated by Old Boys. Mr Dixon by Sydenham, University, Albion and Linwood, Mr Nolan by New Brighton and Suburbs, and Mr Clark by Marist. The choice c-f forward selector was a straight contest between Mr Duff and Dr. J. D. Stewart. Mr Duff was nominated by Christchurch,

Albion. Sydenham, Old Boys and Linwood and Dr. Stewart by Suburbs and University. Split Vote Defeat

In 1960, Mr Duff stood against Mr Rhind and was defeated on a split vote. year it was the first time bis name has gone for-

Mr Duff represented New Zealand in 1951, 1952 and 1956. He captained the AH Blacks in the final two tests against South Africa in 1956 which won the rubber for New Zealand. Since he retired from firstclass Rugby in 1957 Mr Duff

ward as a Canterbury selector since then.

has not coached regularly but has assisted many teams during those years. Last year he coadhed the Country team which defeated the Town team for the first time for 14 years.

First Nomination Mr Dixon represented New Zealand in 1953. 1955, 1956 and 1957, and played for Canterbury from 1951 to 1957. He coached the Sydenham senior team in 1961 and 1962. It was the first time he had been nominated for the position of Canterbury selector. On the motion of Mr J. Storey the voting for the back selector was made on an elimination basis instead of a four-way contest. Mr Storey said that unless elimination ballots were held the back selector could be chosen on a minority vote. The voting for both the back and forward selectors was taken in committee on the suggestion of Mr D. B. Doake. He said it would be unfair to the nominees to have published the order of preference.

When the selectors were announced, Mr J. O. Hattersley (chairman) said that a

letter of appreciation should be sent to Mr Vincent expressing the management committee’s thanks for his services over the last four years. B Selectors Mr D. M. Findlay (Linwood) was chosen as the Canterbury B forward selector and Mr C. W. McLachlan (Christchurch) as back selector. Other nominations for the position of forward selector were Messrs I. W. Walker (Sydenham) and W. Pur'don (Old Boys).