J. J. Stewart criticised

Press, 17 April 1978, Page 6

J. J. Stewart criticised

PA Wellington The chairman of the Auckland Rugby Football Union, Mr Ron Don, has lashed out at comments by the former All Black coach and selector, Mr John Stewart, about professional rugby troupes. Mr Stewart told Thursday’s meeting of >,he New Zealand Rugby Footbail Union Council that too much time was being spent on the Grant Batty Superstars controversy when the real threat to the game, the proposed professional troupe, was being overlooked. Mr Don told the council meeting on Friday: “Frankly 1 don’t know what Mr Stewart is talking about. "For one thing, as far as I am concerned, and I am sure you will all agree, once rugby becomes professional, it is no longer rugby. Mr Stewart says we must fight against thia new evil of professional rugby. “He seems particularly proud that his Wanganui union refused the professional troupe the use of Spriggens Park. Well, as he should know. If Wanganui had not refused such permission, they would have been in direct contravention of the rules of the N.Z.R.F.U. “J. J. Stewart says professional

rugby is a festering sore Actually, it’s no more than a bubble which has already burst,” said Mr Don. He also criticised Mr Stewart for raising again the discussion about Grant Batty. “As far as I am concerned, we, the N.Z.R.F.U., have not spent too much time discussing what Mr Stewart calls the Grant Batty Superstars issue. "The only ones who keep harping on it are the press. “They are the ones who keep it before the public.” Mr Eric Watson, of Otago, will coach the New Zealand Junior* on their rugby tour of Australia this season, the council decided. Mr Watson was coach of the Juniors side that held the British Lions to a 19-9 win on a virtual swamp at Athletic Park last season. He has regularly handled the side since 1972.

Mr Ray Harper, of Southland, | will manage the touring team Taranaki’s Mr Peter Burke was named aa eoach of the New Zealand Colts on their Internal tour, with Mr Pat Gill (Wellington), the manager. Mr Doc Murdoch, of Auckland — baggageman for the British Isles last season—will fill the same role with this year’s Wallabies touring side.