N.Z. Disputing Change To Four-Tackle Rule

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32145, 14 November 1969, Page 11

N.Z. Disputing Change To Four-Tackle Rule

(i\ew Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. In spite of rumblings from English clubs, the New Zealand Rugby League has no intention of changing the four-tackle rule applied in New Zealand since 1967.

The rules of the game were discussed in full at the annual conference of the N.Z.R.L. in October and it was unanimously decided to continue with a limit of four tackles. The national coach, Mr C. E. Mountford, said yesterday that he thought the game had greatly improved since the change and would continue to do so. “Our coaches and players have now adapted themselves , to the rule and I think it would be foolish to change . it," he added. Oldham and St Helen’s, two of the top English Rugby League teams, are among eight British clubs who want the rule abolished. They have asked the English League Council to put the matter on its agenda for November 27. “The four-tackle rule has had a good trial,” Mr K. Fisher, chairman of the Oldiam club, has been reported

> as saying. “It has not been i successful from the point of » view of attraction, increasing ' crowds or raising the standr ard of play. And during its r operation, there has been t more injuries than ever.”

Mr Mountford said he was : sure Britain would not revert * to the old rule of allowing ■ one side to retain possession i until an infringement. 1 “Even though there seem , to be eight clubs wanting a ' change, there are 30 professional clubs in England and there would have to be a twothirds majority for a move like this," he said. I The president of the! N.Z.R.L., Dr L. J. Cooney,] said he could not see New, (Zealand going back to the old rule. A report he received from a member of the Australian board of control, Mr J. O’Toole, showed that at a ; meeting in Sydney last Saturday, all the delegates had voted in favour of continuing with the four-tackle rule.