Kirwan might reconsider S.A. invitation

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 40

Kirwan might reconsider S.A. invitation

NZPA staff correspondent, Peter O’Hara London South African rugby fans can hold out hopes of seeing one of rugby’s hottest properties in action in the next few weeks.

The All Black wing, John Kirwan, the star of the International Rugby Board centenary matches in Britain, says he could reconsider an invitation to visit the republic.

A party of about 30 New Zealanders has mounted a rebel tour of the republic — all but seven going without the permission of the N.Z.R.F.U.

The strapping young Aucklander — whose power and speed excited Twickenham and Cardiff crowds — has been in Italy for six months.

He said he declined an invitation from the Transvaal Rugby Union two months ago because he wanted to return home to New Zealand, but he said at Twickenham yesterday he might reconsider the invitation.

There “could be a possibility” of still going to South Africa in the next few weeks. “I don’t know yet. I haven’t made a decision.

“I’ll have to reassess the situation when I get home.”

Kirwan will be a big drawcard at world rugby venues after his thrilling bursts in Britain, and doubtless South African fans would love to see him.

But the 1.92 m, 92kg three-quarter with the big future will be waiting to

see what attitude the New Zealand Rugby Union takes towards the rebel tourists, who are widely expected to be banned for failing to get official clearance to go to the republic. Twickenham saw many exciting moments as an Overseas XV of All Blacks, Springboks and Wallabies beat the Five Nations, 32-13, on Saturday.

The excitement spilled over every time Kirwan set out, ball in hand, at top speed.

He scored one of the Overseas XV’s six tries and played a leading role in others, his big frame accelerating through the opposition. After signing a batch of autographs as he left Twickenham, Kirwan was himself not over-excited about his performance in the 1.R.8. festivals in Wales and England. “I enjoyed the games, but I made too many mistakes for my liking. Still it always gives me something to improve on.”