NEW MOVES IN JUNIOR RUGBY

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33786, 7 March 1975, Page 14

NEW MOVES IN JUNIOR RUGBY

I A new under-10 open grade will be introduced, and amended registration procedure and stricter control of applications for dispensations will take effect in boys Rugby this year These moves were approved at the annual meeting of the Junior Advisory Board of the Canterbury Rugby Union. More than 100 club delegates attended. The status quo in 10-a-side Rugby was maintained after a New Brighton proposal to limit this grade to first-year players was defeated. The meeting reaffirmed the board’s policy on the structure of the grade, but decided that no competition points ‘would be awarded.

Tire chairman of the board (Mr M. R. Inglis) said the aim was to enable 10-a-side players to derive more enjoyment from their games.

The president of the Canterbury union (Mr C. H. J. Rhodes), who chaired the meeting, spoke of the success of the temporary suspension periods, which, he said, had reduced the number of orderings-off. He commended to delegates the work being done by the union in arranging coaching schools and in making coaching material available to clubs.

The Importance of representative -fixtures for under-weight and under-age grade teams was emphasised by Mr Inglis. He said I that such games were particularly valuable for the under-16 grtde. because they acted as an incentive to keep boys in Rugby. I The official weigh-in day for all grades will be April 12. Where preliminary games are not necessary competition matches will start on April 19. Tine under-17 and under-18 grades will begin their competitions on April 12. Twenty-two nominations were received for 19 positions on the

board. The successful candidates were:

Messrs M. R Inglis, S. Laughiton (Albion), N. Fraser (Sumner), E. Dcrbridge (Suburbs), L. R. Sullivan. G. Weastell (Linwood;, A. Moore (New Brighton), M. Dore (Marist). K. Rakena (Lytte! ton). J. Ditfort, S. McLaughlan (Menvale-Papanul), L Young (Belfast). K. Rooney (Hornby), J Irving (St Andrew’s College) B Chapman (Burnside). J. Strong (Shirley), R Lange (Christchurch). B. Freear (Old Boys) and K Bailey (Sydenham)