Jock Ross in strife yet again

Press, 10 March 1984, Page 76

Jock Ross in strife yet again

NZPA staff correspondent

The Mid-Canterbury and former All Black lock, Jock Ross, at present playing for London Welsh, is in trouble again after an incident in a recent match in which a Cardiff student had his jaw broken in three places. The London Welsh selection committee, however, has decided to take no action against Ross after investigating the incident this week.

The incident happened during London Welsh’s home match against South Glamorgan Institute. The Institute flanker, Paul Roberts, had his jaw broken in three places and spent three nights in hospital. The 199 cm (6ft 6in) Ross was named as the player responsible. A statement issued through the London Welsh Club coach, Geoff Evans, said: “London Welsh deeply regrets the injury to the Institute flanker, Paul Roberts, but does not consider it was caused by a malicious act but by spontaneous reaction by a London Welsh player to being held back.

“The selectors present at the game did not feel it was a deliberate punch, but rather a back swing of the arm.

“The selectors have formally interviewed the player concerned and made known to him the high standards expected of all players at the club. “The player has expressed his regrets about the incident and discussions on the meeting have taken place with South Glamorgan Institute and hopefully it will not affect relations be-

tween the clubs.” All London Welsh team captains had been specifically instructed to ensure that all players upheld the good name of the club, the statement said. Evans, a former Welsh international and British Lion, said: “We didn’t think it just in the circumstances to take any further action against Jock Ross, but we were very upset about it because we are very keen to uphold the good name of the club.”

He commented: “There is no way we consider Jock Ross to be a thug. Unfortunately, he has been involved in two isolated incidents.

“One problem is that because he’s so big he becomes a target for a certain amount of needling.” Mr David Johnson, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Union disciplinary committee, who was watching his son play for South Glamorgan Institute in the match, said: “It was particularly unsavoury and has left a sour taste in the mouth. Everybody was very unhappy about it afterwards, but there is nothing we can do.” Mr Johnson added: “The referee did not see the incident and so there will be no report from him. I saw it, though, and thought it was very nasty.” Earlier this year Ross, aged 31, was suspended for 30 days after being sent off for climbing into a ruck against Leicester, an offence, Ross later claimed, he would have been dismissed for in New Zealand. He had earlier been warned for landing a punch which knocked out Leicester lock, Nigel Gillingham.