DIRTY PLAY DISCUSSION Allegations Follow N.Z. Successes?

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31239, 10 December 1966, Page 17

DIRTY PLAY DISCUSSION Allegations Follow N.Z. Successes?

(From Our Rugby Reporter)

WELLINGTON. The success of All Black teams in recent years might be one of the reasons why charges were being made that New Zealand Rugby was dirty, said the chairman of the Rugby Union Council, Mr T. C. Morrison, yesterday.

Mr Morrison had been asked by “The Press” to comment on a growing number of reports from overseas that New Zealand Rugby was dirty and that when the All Blacks toured Britain next year there could be incidents because of the ill-feeling caused during the 1966 Lions tour.

“Over the last few months I have been asked to comment on the suggestions, insinuations or straightout charges that NewZealand Rugby is dirty.

"My memory of New Zealand Rugby extends from just after the first World War to the present and in my opinion the game has not varied to any great extent with regard to the vigour and dedication of the players,” said Mr Morrison.

"In a game like Rugby where thousands upon thousands of players are engaged each week in competition, some degree of incidents are inevitable. These incidents must not be condoned or accepted as part of the game.

"However, the overwhelming majority of players and administrators do not indulge in or accept actions by teams or players outside the laws or the spirit of the laws, written or unwritten.

“Great care by those responsible for the conduct of Rugby must always be exercised and similar care must be exercised by the press, broadcasting and spectators alike that hard, rugged play is not confused with dirty play. “It would be silly to suggest that no New Zealander is guilty of some indiscretions in the playing of Rugby, but they do not deserve to be singled out.”

Asked if he was concerned about the reception of the All Blacks in Britain next year, Mr Morrison said that there was a very close bond between New Zealand and British Rugby and very close friendships between both countries’ administrators.

“I have no reason to doubt that the conduct of the All Blacks next year, both on and off the field, will reach the same high standard that made the 1963-64 All Blacks one of the most popular teams to visit Britain.”

A full discussion on rough Rugby was taken in commit-

tee and discussed for almost an hour, when the N.Z.R.U. Council met in Wellington yesterday. Another important matter taken in committee was the behaviour of some Rugby teams in hotels. There have been complaints of incidents by Rugby teams, often provincial fifteens. It is understood that all unions will be told that when their teams are staying in hotels a proper standard of behaviour is to be maintained and that is the responsibility of the union through its coaches and managers to ensure that this happens.