Japanese Rugby Tour Sought

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30760, 26 May 1965, Page 13

Japanese Rugby Tour Sought

An application by the University Club to invite a Japanese university side to New Zealand in August-September, 1965, or April-May, 1966, was approved at a meeting of the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union last evening.

Although the suggested times fall within the period prohibited by the New Zealand union for overseas tours, the committee decided to forward the application to the New Zealand union with its positive approval. Exemption Sought

The club’s letter said it was seeking a special exemption to invite the Doshisha University to make a short tour of the South Island. “The Doshisha team, although only a club team, is really representing all Japan universities, as it is their premier side. “The club does not wish to make money from the tour, but merely to return hospitality and will make all arrangements.

“Matches proposed are

against Victoria, Canterbury, and Otago universities and Lincoln College. Also, in view of the poor season in sight for the West Coast and Buller unions, two games could be offered to these unions. Examinations

“Because of examination pressure the club would not be able to organise the tour later than about September 20.”

Mr H. C. Blazey said the application had merit, particularly because of examinations Mr R. W. Thomas said he felt the committee should make a positive recommendation. “Where tours are outside the club season, I feel they do not harm Rugby. On Mr Thomas’s motion the application was approved. Handsome Gift The Harry Saundercock trophy for annual competition between Wellington and Canterbury was presented to the committee last evening Made of Stirling silver, the trophy is 2ft high. Inside the mahogany case which houses the trophy is an engraved list of the results of every match between the two provinces. Mr A. K Johnson said the union was very grateful to the Saundercock family for such a handsome gift Field Day.—The Marist club will hold a field day next Sat urelay The senior team will play at Rugby Park and the lower grade teams will be grouped on Hagley Park Big Five.— Messrs L. S. Kirk, A. R Taylor, R O. McDowell. M R Barnett (Ellesmere), and A F. Guernsey were appointed as Canterbury’s leading referees The listing was in order of merit. Their names Will nowgo forward to the New Zealand union

Regrading.—The following regrading was approved: Christchurch: G Burgoyne. senior to senior reserve.

The following players nave been chosen for the under 20 training squad P. Williams, Warren. Sutherland. Phillips (Hornby). A Davis, W Euera. Cotterill. Hunt (Christchurch A) P Little (University), O’Callaghan. Henderson (Lincoln College). Gardiner, Tulloch. Gearrv Huston. Binnie (Shirley). Aitchison. Bryce, Duke iLinwood). Fisher (Christchurch B) Training will be held at Hagley Park at 730 p.m on Thursday Players not available Ring W * Gatehouse (896-856). or R Glasson (2 4180) —Advt