Far-reaching rugby change recommended

Press, 14 October 1986, Page 36

Far-reaching rugby change recommended

NZPA staff correspondent London Rugby’s international administrators have recommended a far-reaching change to the amateur game — compensating some top players for lost salaries — in spite of opposition from member unions, including New Zealand. The New Zealand Rugby Union’s chairman, Mr Russ Thomas, said he was surprised the International Rugby Board had gone so far and departed from tradition in the eyes of many people. Mr Ces Blazey, the former New Zealand Union head who chaired the 1.R.8. meeting in London, was asked if he felt he was presiding over the demise of the amateur game. “I think we are not necessarily seeing the demise of an amateur game but I am certain the recommendations here are changing something which has been quite fundamental to the game of rugby football for 100 years,” Mr Blazey said. “It is undoubtedly a very major change.” But, he said, there was. "no intention for this to lead into professional rugby. The eight member unions of the board firmly believe that rugby must remain an amateur game; Players will not be paid for playing.” The proposals will be put to the unions and return to the

1.R.8. in March. Mr Blazey said he hoped and expected all member unions would apply the recommendations. Mr Thomas, who before the LR.B. meeting reiterated New Zealand’s Firm stance against hardship or “broken time” (leave without pay) compensation, said his council would consider the proposals at length. • South African representatives were censured and gave a "solemn undertaking” not to repeat a rebel tour of the republic at the board's meeting. The board drew up by-laws which gave it the power to expel or suspend member unions after the South African Rugby Board did not comply with an instruction to stop the tour by the New Zealand Cavaliers this year. The eight-member body also told the New Zealand Rugby Union that it wanted an inquiry into "possible transgressions” of the amateur rules by the Cavaliers pursued and "the result reported as soon as practicable.” An emergency committee set up by the board found there had been a breach of the 1.R.8. resolution that tours by teams not directly under the control of a union should not be approved. The S.A.R.B. has said it did not have the legal power to stop the tour.