Plea to All Blacks

Press, 12 July 1985, Page 3

Plea to All Blacks

Parliamentary reporter The Government has released the text of the letters it has sent to all 30 members of the All Black team chosen to tour South Africa later this month. The letter was sent by the then Acting Prime Minister, Mr Palmer, on July 4, after the team was chosen. It says: “As you probably know, the Government, Parliament and most of the people of New Zealand disapprove of the tour of South Africa for which you and your team-mates have been selected.

“This letter to you, and to all others selected, is to leave you in no doubt about the full implications of that tour. I ask you now to carefully consider the matter again. “I feel compelled to do this because of the serious effects that the tour will

have, and because the New Zealand Rugby Football Union itself has not been prepared to consider New Zealand’s wider interests, or to bring these interests to the attention of players and administrators in an adequate manner. “If the tour goes ahead it will do serious damage in several ways. It will hurt your country’s reputation abroad — as New Zealand .will be seen to be giving comfort to apartheid.

“The Government must also be concerned that the tour will cause damage here in New Zealand. It has once again divided the country. Every New Zealander has a responsibility to his or her own society and you, as an All Black, have a status and a responsibility which is rather special. By going to South Africa, you will effectively be turning your back

on that. “By taking part in this tour to South Africa you will also do damage to New Zealand sport. You will reduce the prospects for international competition of many other New Zealand sportsmen and women. That is a reality. I would like you to think about that. All those other sports people expect you to do so. “I ask you, finally, to think carefully about the damage to rugby itself of the tour. There is evidence the game has already suffered. This is not a matter of Government reponsibility, but no-one in this country wants to see our national game brought into disrepute. “It is for the game itself to count the losses for which the tour will be directly responsible — the loss of young players, parental sup-

port, coaches, spectator interest, and sponsorship. The Rugby Union has chosen to ignore all this. As a player and someone who will have a role in the future of New Zealand rugby, I urge you to weigh up the consequences of your actions. “The Government of New Zealand cannot stop you going. You have that right. I ask you, quite simply, to consider whether you are prepared to put your own immediate interests before those of your country and other New Zealanders. “I understand how much effort and dedication it takes to reach All Black status. I would not ask you to give that up if it were not important to all of us.

“On behalf of the Government, I ask you to reconsider your decision to go to South Africa.”