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Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31502, 17 October 1967, Page 18

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Canadians “Left Out” (From T P McLSAN) VANCOUVER. There is a skeleton rattling in New Zealand’s Rugby cupboard—the skeleton of the invitation that never has been sent to Canada for some sort of Rugby team to tour in repayment for toe hospitality Canadians have been showing New Zealand Rugby teams for more than 60 years. The skeleton was referred to at a Government dinner tendered toe 1967 All Blacks in Vancouver by toe president of the Canadian Rugby Union, Mr R. B. Spray. An Englishman who settled in Vancouver 21 years ago. Mr Spray in his toast to the All Blacks referred wistfully to the fact that although nine New Zealand teams of one sort or another have played in Canada since the 1905 All Blacks paid the initial visit, the New Zealand Rugby Union has never seen fit to invite a Canadian team in return.

He hoped that one of these days an invitation might be offered. If It were, the game throughout Canada would feel the benefit of the inspiration deriving from a visit to the home of the world champion of the game.

It was evident that Mr Spray’s tactfully-worded statement had hit home when the manager of the All Blacks, Mr C. K. Saxton, in response, promised that he and his fellow New Zealand councillor, Mr M. R. Love, who is travelling with the All Blacks, would do their best on their return to New Zealand to urge their fellow councillors to make provision for a visit from a Canadian team.