LEADING RUGBY MEN MAY BE RETIRING

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31753, 9 August 1968, Page 13

LEADING RUGBY MEN MAY BE RETIRING

There is a possibility that three of the leading figures in New Zealand Rugby—the chairman of the national council (Mr T. C. Morrison), the convenor of the selection panel (Mr F. R. Allen) and the renowned flank forward, K. R. Tremain will make this season their last at international level.

There are indications that, having served New Zealand Rugby faithfully and well, they are now ready to hand over the reins to others.

Mr Morrison, who has been chairman of the council since 1962, had said he would devote his life to the resumption of the series between South Africa and New Zealand. This is now in prospect and if Mr Morrison does give up his post at the end of this year it would be fitting if he was chosen as manager of the New Zealand side to South Africa in 1970. A national selector since 1964 and convenor Of the panel since 1966, Mr Allen has

achieved an enviable record. In the period in which he has coached the All Blacks, New Zealand has had 34 wins—including all 13 tests—one draw and no losses.

But he, too, has devoted his energies to an ideal, the reestablishment of attacking back play, and having achieved a fair measure of success in this direction he might now be ready to band over to someone else. He has the running of his own business to consider, and he has already been on two overseas tours with the Al) Blacks.

Tremain will be playing in his thirty-eighth test tomorrow—a figure exceeded only by C. E. Meads for New Zealland—and there are indications that it could be his last

Earlier this year he withdrew from the All Black trials before the Australian tour, but he was persuaded to change his mind as it was felt that his presence would be of tremendous benefit to the young flankers, T. N. Lister, I A. Kirkpatrick and G. C. Williams.

He proceeded to set a splendid example to these players. But now his task has been completed and he can step aside while still at the top of his form.