Hawke statement causes row

Press, 23 April 1986, Page 8

Hawke statement causes row

By CHRIS PETERS NZPA correspondent Sydney

A political row is growing in Australia over threats made in London by the Australian Prime Minister, Mr Hawke, that Australia’s rugby team could be barred from playing the All Blacks if “rebel” rugby players are in the New Zealand team. The Australian team’s coach, Mr Alan Jones,

was scathing in his condemnation of the suggestion, saying that Mr Hawke was “on the wrong tram.”

The Opposition spokesman on foreign affairs, Mr Andrew Peacock, said the threats were “illjudged, ill-informed and ignorant.” In Canberra officials are investigating whether such a ban is possible. Mr Hawke said in Lon-

don that future rugby contact with New Zealand could be in doubt under

the Gleneagles Agreement if the "rebels,” who play the first match of their tour today, are included

in future All Black sides. He said his Cabinet would have to study the

matter and consider whether it should prevent the Wallaby tour to New Zealand this year taking place, and whether an All Black team containing “rebel” players should be allowed into Australia in future. “I would want to discuss the issue with my Cabinet colleagues at the appro-

priate time in Australia,” he said. “But on my understanding and recollection of the specific terms of the

Gleneagles Agreement, it would not be appropriate for Australia to be playing against a side, in Australia certainly, which included people who had participated in that tour.” However, Mr Alan Jones said Mr Hawke did not know what he was

talking about in relation to the Gleneagles Agreement.

The Gleneagles Agreement did not apply to Australia-New Zealand sports contacts, Mr Jones

said. “The Gleneagles Agreement was drawn up in

relation, one, to South Africa, and, two, any other country where sport is organised on the basis of race, colour or ethnic origin. “Unless things have changed in New Zealand or New Zealand has slipped on the map to become South Africa, it does not apply.

“It is a monstrous insult to people’s intelligence to try to say that Gleneagles applies to this situation. “There is nothing at all

the Government can do.” Asked whether the Government should ban other sports that have contact with teams which have played in South Africa, Mr Jones said, “I would like to see him have a go at the money first — the airlines and the trade.”

Officials in Canberra doubt there is anything the Government can do to

stop New Zealand rugby players coming into the country, given the fact no visas are required.