Policy on S.A. tour spelt out

Press, 18 April 1980, Page 1

Policy on S.A. tour spelt out

PA . . Wellington \ The Government’s attitude to next year’s proposed New Zealand rugby tour by a South African team-was spelt out in a letter to the New Zealand Rugby Union from the Minister of Foreign Affairs. (Mr Taiboys) yesterday.’-'' - '■ \ * - The union’s chairman (Mr C. A. Blazey) read the letter to delegates at the union’s., annual meeting during a brief, discussion about, the proposed tour, in; general business. The debate on the matter stopped once the letter had been read. However, the 101 delegates accepted, with one dissenting voice, a Math borough union proposal, moved by Mr E. E. Robertson, “that the incoming Rugby Union council give urgent discussion to the 1981 South African tour situation and it form a policy on it.” In the letter, Mr Talboys talked about the responsibilities of sports bodies under the Gleneagles agreement. He said a Springbok tour of New Zealand would “dash to the ground all that has been achieved as a result in terms of international

acceptance:of the fact .that New Zealand does not, in any way whatever, condone the policies of the apatheid regime in South Africa.” ' The decision to be taken by. the Rugby Union’s council could affect the harmonious development of. Commonwealth and international sport. Mr Blazey said he had 'expected to receive some form .of communication from the Government on the issud.\ it had . been widely reported in - recent weeks that the tour wrnuld be a topic for general business at the union’s annual meeting. The letter from Mr Talboys would be tabled at a council meeting this morning at the same time as the Marlborough motion would be considered. The council would decide whether the issue would be considered fully immediately. “The agenda for the first council meeting after the annual meeting is always a full one and there is no guarantee at this stage the issue will be dealt with extensively,” Mr Blazey said. Text of letter, Back page