Army Camp Rugby Week-end Called “Professionalism”

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30264, 17 October 1963, Page 15

Army Camp Rugby Week-end Called “Professionalism”

(Special Crspdt. N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, Oct. 16. The London Counties’ plan to train for a week-end in an Army camp for the match against the All Blacks has been described as “the thin edge of professionalism.” The statement was made by Gwyn Lewis, last year’s London Welsh captan, in the “Daily Mail.” He adds that Rugby is divided on the determiined approach taken by London Counties and Lewis says that it is net only the older men who are agaiinst the idea. “London Counties can caM on 15 outstanding footballers to represent them but I do

not think they should go away like a cup soccer teem to prepare,” says Lewis, a 17st second row forward. “Seme of the Heme Counties protested when the French took their international teem to the seaside before the maitch. What is the difference between that and the London plian?” The "Daily Mail” also says that at the start of the season it seemed that tine CardiffAM Blacks game on November 23, always regarded as a tour highlight, would be an anti-climax. B<ut not now. After losing four of its first five matches, Cardiff has had six successive wins. The man behind the Cardiff revival is Cliff Ashton, a ■former Wales and Aberavon fly-half, who has been in semi-retirement for two years.

Atliton's presence has inspired the scrum-half, Lloyd Williams, and together these men will bid for Welsh caps again. The Cardiff captain, Dai Hayward, has also lifted his game and with the halfbacks, they form a menacing trio.