Dalton will face loan questions

Press, 21 April 1986, Page 4

Dalton will face loan questions

The New Zealand rugby captiiln, Andy Dalton, is expected to face questions about the large loans that are reported to have been offered the New Zealand players In South Africa, when he addresses a press; conference at Johannesburg this morning (local time).

The South African Government may be indirectly involved in the provision of loans of up to $lOO,OOO at an interest rate of 0.01 per cent for each of the rugby tourists, according to sources in South Africa and London,

says Robin Charteris, London correspondent of "The Press.” Dalton and the seven other New Zealanders who played in the International Rugby Board centenary match at Twickenham on Saturday were due to fly from London last evening. Mr Robert Denton, the tour organiser, who manages Ellis Park stadium, will attend the press conference and explain the South African situation.

The two men, plus the tour coach, Mr Colin Meads, are expected to

produce documents which show the New Zealand players will remain within the International Rugby Board rules of amateur status and receive direct payment only of the allowable $43 a day tour expenses. They are expected to face tough questioning from South African journalists about the alleged loans. John Reason, writing in the London “Sunday Telegraph," said he had heard of payments varying from

$30,000 to $lOO,OOO being offered. He castigated The 1.R.8. saying members had no-one to blame but themselves for the present state of affairs, Charteris reports. The “Observer” rugby correspondent, Clem Thomas, was also critical of the 1.R.8., saying it refused to move with the times. Thomas believes the players are being paid only the permitted daily tour allowance, but says he has heard rumours of very large payments.