‘Rebel’ players might sue if Rugby Union ‘unfair’

Press, 22 April 1986, Page 8

‘Rebel’ players might sue if Rugby Union ‘unfair’

PA Wellington A lawyer representing players on the "rebel” rugby tour says they should take action against the New Zealand Rugby Union if they feel unfairly penalised. Mr Shane Treadwell, of Wellington, said yesterday that options for those on the tour would be looked at carefully. “If the union unfairly penalised them just because it was South Africa, they would certainly see if there were remedies open. “That would be my advice to them.” Remedies available were not known at this stage because the matter was hypothetical. Mr Treadwell said he did not think the union would do “anything stupid.” “They are fair-minded men. The main problem is the political pressure put on them.”

Mr Treadwell said he was approached in January by various people — “all New Zealanders” — about acting for those in a rebel tour of South Africa. “Though I have seen the lawyer of the Transvaal union, the people I’ve been dealing with are members of the team, management, promoters and those sorts of people,” he said. “I had nothing to do witif the planning; I was just kept advised about what went on and the fact that it was taking place.” He was instructed to make a formal announcement to the Rugby Union yesterday that the “rebel” tour was on, but told the union last week after news of the tour became public. “The union knew nothing about it until Thursday when I first advised it. Of course it heard a bit from rumours, but the first official in-

formation was on Thursday when I spoke to Tom Cunningham,” he said. Mr Treadwell said Mr Cunningham undertook to pass the news to the union’s chairman, Mr Ces Blazey. He also handed a copy of the tour agreement the players signed so the union would know exactly the conditions under which thy were touring. The agreement was just like that drawn up for regular tours sanctioned by the International Rugby Board. “There is nothing in it that is untoward and is not in accordance with normal past expenses paid to touring teams,” Mr Treadwell said. “When I was instructed I asked pointed questions about payment and I am quite satisfied there is no payment other than what is prescribed in the agreement.” The players knew they

would be “in trouble” if they received payments not included in the agreement. ' Mr Treadwell said he knew nothing about reports that players would receive substantial loans that would never need to be repaid and so technically keep their amateur status.

“They are all proud of their country and proud of the code they play and they want to. remain playing it, but they also want to play the Springboks,” he said.

There was no question the players were legally entitled to do what they w r ere doing. “Whether it is right or wrong is a matter of opinion, and many people believe they are doing the right thing.”

Mr Treadwell said he was not on a retainer to act for the “rebel” tourists but would “send a fee in” when the job was done.