Rugby head doubts tour consequences

Press, 16 April 1981, Page 6

Rugby head doubts tour consequences

The chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Mr E. A. Blazey, said yesterday that it had yet to be proved that the Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand would limit the opportunities for New Zealand athletes to compete abroad. Mr Blazey, who is also chairman of the'New Zealand Amateur Athletic Association’s management committee, was commenting on calls made by the Northland and Waikato athletic centres and .three Auckland athletic clubs that he should resign his N.Z.A.A.A. post because of his support for the Springbok tour. Athletes are worried that the tour may have repercussions at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane. It has been suggested that New Zealand athletes may be barred from the Games because

of a possible black African boycott. Similar to 'the walkout in protest at New Zealand’s presence at the 1 9 7 6 Commonwealth Games in Montreal. Mr Blazey said that the effects of the Springbok tour, which is scheduled to begin in July, had not been discussed by the N.Z.A.A.A.

He said, “Abraham Ordia (the head of the Supreme Council for Sport in Africa) has said there would be a reaction but he has not given any details at all.” Mr Blazey said that he had no intention of resigning. He would be guided by the opinion of the N.Z.A.A.A. as a whole. He said, “I am not interested in the views of a small group of people.” There were nine athletic centres in New Zealand. He would take notice if six of them were against

his stand but not just one or two.

He said, “I am not interested in defending myself against . accusations. It would serve no useful purpose at present., I will let other people judge.” Mr Blazey has been a member of. the management committee of the N.Z.A.A.A. since 1954 and its chairman since 1966. He has been on the Rugby Union’s executive and management committees since 1957 and has been its chairman since 1977. He said that he did not find it difficult to serve the two organisations. He had always made a point of separating views on rugby and athletics when discussing any issue. He said that he did not personal problem with me to wear two hats. I will only speak about one sport at one time.”