SPRINGBOK TOUR

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30761, 27 May 1965, Page 16

SPRINGBOK TOUR

Abie Malan Withdraws

(N.Z.P.A.-Reuter— Copyright >

JOHANNESBURG, May 26

The Springbok hooker, Abie Maian, said today he had withdrawn from the South African Rugby team to tour Australia and New Zealand next month. Although he notified the South African board of his decision, it had made no announcement about his withdrawal.

Malan, capped 14 times for South Africa—four times as captain—said that the lease on his farmhouse and outbuildings at Vereeniging, about 40 miles from Johannesburg, expired at the end of August arid that it was nol being renewed. Malan said the biggest problem was not to find suitable accommodation for his wife and family when the lease of the farmhouse expired “but to find the proper housing for my valuable Merino stud.

“I cannot afford risking my flock being stolen or dying from improper care during the winter when I am away.” The notice terminating Ims lease was received last Saturday. “If only my landlord had told me of his decision-4 month earlier I may hate had sufficient time to mate other arrangements, but with the team leaving on Monday week it would be virtually impossible to make the moving arrangements in time?/ Malan said. He added he was bitterly disappointed in not being able to see Australia and New Zealand, especially since he had “worked so hard" to be included in the team.