Union to push for World Cup

Press, 10 December 1983, Page 80

Union to push for World Cup

PA Wellington The New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday agreed to push strongly its proposal for a World Cup.

Although there is still a lot of information from a sub-comittee report on the concept yet to be made public, the union will advise the International Rugby Board of the “substantial wish by rugby people in New Zealand” to have a World Cup. The Union’s chairman, Mr Ces Blazey, said that it would seek the support of the 1.R.8. “The 1.R.8. exercises control over all international matches and a World Cup would come into that category,” he said. “We have a lot of work to do before we send off our proposals by December 31, which is the deadline for the agenda for the 1.R.8. conference in London in March.

“If a World Cup is to work, it will need the support and participation of all rugby playing countries. Hopefully, we will get our proposal approved,” said Mr Blazey. “If we do, it is also possible we will offer to host it.”

The International Rugby Board’s centenary is in 1986, and it is likely that if the proposal meets with its approval, the first World Cup could be held in that year. “We have in the past had suggestions of similar concepts, the most recent by Neil Durden-Smith, professional promoter. That was rejected at last year’s 1.R.8. meeting,” said Mr Blazey.

“We feel there is a stronger case now for a World Cup, as an 1.R.8. member is suggesting it, not a professional promoter.”

® Eighteen former All Blacks will be invited to become staff coaches for the New Zealand union. They would be used for coaching at schools and promotions.

The appointment of staff coaches is part of the revamped national coaching structure which will take effect in 1984.

The previous scheme, run by a national coaching committee with regional advisory coaches, has been replaced with one putting greater emphasis on coaching at provincial union level.

The coaches, appointed at the meeting yesterday, are the former All Black coach, Peter Burke, and seventeen former top players, including Tane Norton, lan Kirkpatrick, Andy Leslie, Tom Lister, Kerry Tanner, Colin Meads, Fergie McCormick, and Bryan Williams.

The revised structure includes the setting up of a technical advisory committee which will study and make recommendations to

the union on all aspects of the game. The committee, to be chaired by a national councillor, Mr Bob Stuart, includes the All Black coach, Bryce Rope, and captain Stu Wilson.

Others invited to join include the former All Black coach, J. J. Stewart, and the former Canterbury coach, Jim Stewart.

Seven regional coaching schools will be held next year, with the major national conference in Wellington at the end of January.