Collins takes stand’. “TOO MUCH RUGBY”

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32880, 1 April 1972, Page 38

Collins takes stand’. “TOO MUCH RUGBY”

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. Because of his objection to the amount of Rugby demanded of leading players, M. P. Collins, the outstanding Otago and New Zealand Universities wing of recent seasons, has decided not to make himself available for competitive football until the beginning of June.

In spite of many fine performances, especially against touring teams, Collins has not played for New Zealand. Collins who will play in Canterbury this season, acknowledges that he is anxious to win a place in the All Black team which will tour the British Isles and France from October.

In a letter to the "New Zealand Herald” sports writer, T. P. McLean, Collins says: “It is my considered opinion that owing to the length and extent of the seasons, many of the leading players, including myself, have become stale by the time the important fixtures are due.

"I think this was epitomised in last year’s North versus South game at New Plymouth. In it, the fresh players outshone those who had been subjected to a full season of top-level football. “It is my intention to hit the New Zealand Rugby scene fresh, fit and keen (I am already quite fit) in early June to concentrate on the I New Zealand Universities fixtures, the Canterbury rep- ’ resentative season and, ; hopefully, the British Isles tour trials. I am specially in- : terested in these trials. i “I cannot see how the I players playing the series of r pre-season festival games . can do themselves justice on - a tour at the end of this ardu- ■ ous season. “When I begin, I will play - for Canterbury University, as I now work in Christchurch, but until then I will train occasionally with the team and assist the coach if requried. “I will only be available for fixtures like the Commonwealth Games appeal • match on April 9 before this time.”