N.Z. Union to act on Jones incident

Press, 29 June 1987, Page 36

N.Z. Union to act on Jones incident

PA Wellington The New Zealand Rugby Union confirmed yesterday that it would officially take action on the alleged abuse of one of its members by the Wallaby coach, Alan Jones. The New Zealand Union’s chairman, Mr Russell Thomas, said it was the intention of the union to write to the Australian Rugby union. “It is basically.a matter to be dealt with by our council and that will be done at the meeting on Thursday,” he said. “But we will definitely be writing to Australia about it. It was not a matter for the executive committee to deal with on their own.”

Mr Jones is alleged to have verbally abused a New / . Zealand Union official after the Wales v. Australia World Cup playoff match in Rotorua last Thursday week: A • refusal to allow Mr Jones to represent the ordered-off, flanker David Codey, at a disciplinary hearing led to the alleged incident.

The executive committee'met in Wellington yesterday, and; also briefly discussed the tour to New Zealand next year by Wales and the consequent delay to the, tour of Australia by the All Blacks.

Mr Thomas said that the tour by Wales next year would probably be of eight matches, but the number of tests had not been decided. Because the Welsh club did not end. till May 9, there were going to be further discussions before a firm itinerary could be released. However, it was likely that a tour could not, start till the end of May and therefore the

tour to Australia later might have to be delayed. Meanwhile, the union has had “several requests” from overseas countries for coaching assistance, with the union to designate who might be involved. There is also the chance of extra games for the Maoris’ tour of France next year. Mr Thomas singled out many people for mention in connection with the success of the Rugby World Cup. Apart from the New Zealand players, selectors and management, he said there were many “behind the scenes” people who worked hard to ensure the tournament’s success.

"The series was a magnificent success for rugby and for New Zealand, and received publicity round the world,” he said.'

“The television . and Other news media coverage brought enjoyment to the aged and the sick, and at least one woman has written in saying the Cup was compulsive viewing and listening. “Obviously, the occasion brought immeasurable pleasure to many people. “Now we have to face life 1 after the Cup, and the after-effects will have to be judged. “In many ways, this country lacks the methods to attract young people to participate in sports, but the World Cup was one of them.” ■ 7

Mr Bob Stuart reported briefly on the standard of refereeing in the World Cup, saying he thought the differences in interpretation between' Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere referees had disappeared. ■’ “There have been com-

ments passed about styles and it is worth remembering that had Australia been one of the finalists, the final referee would have come from the Northern Hemisphere,” he said.

“We regarded the referees as individuals and not representatives of eight countries.”

Mr Graham Atkin reported that the referees had praised the attitude of players in the tournament. Sixteen players received approval for reinstatement from rugby league, six gained approval to spend seasons playing rugby overseas. Wellington’s Ritchie Stokes will go to England, Kevin Boroevich back to France and David Hansen back to Italy. Canterbury’s Steve Hansen intends playing in France, Italy, South Africa, the, United Kingdom, and the United States.' ' 7 t The New Zealand under-19 rugby team to play its Welsh counterpart at Pukekohe on Saturday, August 29, was named. It is: Jason Goldsmith (Waikato), John . Timu (Hawke’s Bay), Craig Innes (Auckland), Vaaifa Tuigamala (Auckland), Sean Fitzsimons (Poverty Bay), 2Walter Little (North Harbour), Greg McFadden (Canterbury); "Error: Brain (North Auckland), Andrew Langley (Canterbury, captain), Andrew JRich (Canterbury), Mark Weedon (Bay of Plenty), Simon Tremain (Otago), Lee Lidgard (Counties), Jonathon Stead (North Habour), Darryl Wells (Counties).77 Reserves; Jason McDowell (Hawke’s, Bay), Simon Kerr (Hawke’s Bay), Jason i; Hewett (Manawatu), Oscar Iwashita' (Otago), Richard Turner (Hawke’s Bay), Andrew Roose (Counties);The manager is Mr Merlin Shannon, the coach, Mr Lane Penn and the assistant coach Mr Laurie' O’Reilly. '. '7 ;