Auckland decides to enter Wrangler Cup

Press, 5 December 1981, Page 64

Auckland decides to enter Wrangler Cup

Auckland’s decision not to take part in the first Wrangler Cup rugby league tournament next season has been rescinded and a full entry is now assured for the national inter-club contest. The Wrangler Cup sponsorship will inject $150,000 into

the code over the next three years, but was placed at risk when Auckland disputed the tentative dates and distribution of the gate receipts for home matches. Both issues were resolved at a meeting between officials of the Auckland and

New Zealand leagues. Auckland, Canterbury and Wellington will each have two clubs included in the 18team knock-out tournament. In the first round Auckland’s representatives are required to travel to Wellington and Christchurch. “The success of the competition lies in the participation of all leagues in New Zealand and the national council could not have accepted Auckland’s withdrawal," the N.Z.R.L. chairman (Mr R. G. McGregor) said after the meeting. It was pointed out that the Wrangler Cup would not clash with the Auckland championship play-offs and that Auckland would still be free to arrange a match against a Sydney club team. Auckland will also adhere to the terms covering all leagues which have home matches.

Perhaps Auckland’s attitude was softened by the disclosure the same evening that it had made an unaudited profit ' of $60,702, compared with a surplus of $27,790 in 1980.