Neutral referees a must for 1979 tour — French

Press, 27 October 1977, Page 36

Neutral referees a must for 1979 tour — French

By

RON PALENSKI,

NZPA staff correspondent

Brive

The French Rugby Federation has given New Zealand an ultimatum on neutral referees. The French have decided they will only make their scheduled tour to New Zealand in 1979 if they are given neutral referees for the tests.

The decision was made early this week after the president of the French federation, Mr Albert Ferrasse, met the president of the South African Rugby Board, Dr Danie Craven, in Paris.

Dr Craven, according to the authoritative rugby weekly “Midi Olympique.” agreed the French could have neutral referees the next time they toured South Africa. He also said South Africa would be willing to

supply referees for a test series in New Zealand.

Mr Ferrasse, according to the paper, said it was time New Zealand and Australia followed the European practice of having neutral referees. France is providing Irish and Welsh referees for the tests against the AU Blacks next month.

The All Black manager, Mr Ron Don. told the N.Z.P.A. last night he met Mr Ferrasse in South Africa

in August but France’s tour of New Zealand was not discussed.

“Personally I’m definitely in favour of independent referees but obviously it’s a matter for the New Zealand council,” he said. Mr Don is expecting to meet Mr Ferrasse later in the tour.

“I don’t think having independent referees will alter the result of any games but it should put an end to the continual complaining about referees after matches have been played,” said Mr Don. “I think it’s a very reasonable reaction on the part of the French.” Mr Don added he had been in favour of neutral referees since the All Blacks’ tour of Argentina last year, when a Frenchman, Mr Michel Messan had charge of the two tests. The N.Z.R.F.U. council has yet to draw an itinerary for the French tour but it is expected to be of medium length — 11 or 12 matches, with three tests. If it agreed to the French demand, New Zealand would probably turn to either Australia or South Africa for referees but it could also seek them from any of the Four Home Union countries. In the long term New Zealand referees — deprived of home tests — could be given overseas tests.