STAND BY N.Z. PROP

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33155, 20 February 1973, Page 14

STAND BY N.Z. PROP

(N.Z. Press Association) WANGANUI. The All Black prop, A. R. L. McNicol, of Wanganui, will not play against the | South Africans this year if jthe Springbok team is Selected from all-white trials. McNicol, who arrived home at the week-end after the tour of the British Isles and France, said he was against apartheid and against disrimination in sport. He said that if the South African side were chosen! from mixed trials he would “be in like a shot.” But McNicol, a teacher at Wanganui High School, said he would prefer that the South African tour was called off if all-white trials were held to select the touring party. McNicol says he loves Rugby, but he refuses to play against countries that discriminate in sport. As a social studies teacher., he realised the trouble and strife that apartheid caused.] and if the Springboks were! chosen from all-white trials] he would not be available toj play against them for either New Zealand or Wanganui, he said.

The first five-eighths, R. E. Burgess (Manawatu), was the first member of the 1972-73 All Blacks, who said he would not play against the South Africans because of apartheid.