Fraser, Pokere invited

Press, 28 June 1983, Page 40

Fraser, Pokere invited

PA Wellington Two present internationals, Bernie Fraser and Steve Pokere, disclosed yesterday that they were among seven All Blacks invited to South Africa next month for Western Province’s centennial celebrations. Fraser, a Wellington wing, said he had received a verbal invitation through the Wellington Rugby Football Union, but was undecided whether to go. He said he would not decline on moral grounds but was still thinking about the trip because of other rugby commitments and the need to take time off work if he went. Pokere, of Southland, confirmed he had also had a verbal invitation. Pokere said he wanted to go but, like Fraser, was undecided because of family and sports commitments. Pokere added that players invited to South Africa had been asked by rugby authorities to “keep it quiet.” Asked yesterday if he had also been invited, Wellington’s other wing, Stu Wilson, said: “Pass.” Wilson added that invitations were personal and the Western Province Union would receive a personal reply: “I don’t see why it should be made public.” The All Black lock, Andy Haden, has already said he had not received an invitation and was not expecting to get one. If he did, he said it would be considered in the context of his rugby commitments in New Zealand.