Rugby Union rewrites its constitution

Press, 10 April 1987, Page 2

Rugby Union rewrites its constitution

PA Wellington The New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday adopted a rewritten constitution aimed at preventing a repeat of the legal challenge which sunk the 1985 All Black tour of South Africa. The new constitution more clearly empowers the Rugby Union to have the final say on any matter in dispute and to expel or suspend any union or player for conduct prejudicial to the union or rugby. It was passed without dissent at yesterday’s annual meeting of the union. The legal challenge to the South African tour successfully argued that any member of a rugby club should have a say in the running of the game, and that decisions by the

Rugby Union could be challenged. The new constitution also expressly forbids any team or club member to play overseas without first gaining written permission from the Rugby Union’s council. The retiring union president, Mr Mick Pittaway, said the former constitution had represented “guidelines for gentlemen.” “It became rules for rogues, and we are now tightening for tryants,” he said. One councillor, Mr Brian Vaughan (Wanganui), lost his position when elections were held. He was replaced as one of four Central zone councillors by Mr David Galvin, chairman of the Wairarapa-Bush union.