Aust, denies media ban

Press, 11 July 1989, Page 40

Aust, denies media ban

NZPA-AAP Auckland The New Zealand-based public relations agent, Crossman Communications, was left redfaced yesterday when it attempted to slap an unauthorised media ban on the Australian rugby league team. The team’s manager, Mr Peter Moore, was staggered by reports from Auckland that the Australian players, sponsored by Fourex, were off limits to both the Australian and

New Zealand media. "I am very very sure that Fourex wouldn’t want the media banned and if they did I wouldn’t impose it,” Mr Motfre said. “There is absolutely no media ban nor will there ever be one while I am the manager. It seems like an over-zealous action by Crossman Communications.” The Auckland-based advertising and promotions agent has been employed by Fourex to promote the

test series between Australia and New Zealand. A spokesman for the company said it . had received permission from Fourex in Australia to put out a release notifying the media of the ban. The Australian players have made themselves available to the media since they arrived in New Zealand a week ago, despite the blow-up involving the captain, Wally Lewis, and current affairs

television host, Paul Holmes. Lewis and Moore are investigating legal avenues, claiming Holmes set Lewis up in an unauthorised television interview in a Christchurch studio last Friday. A Sunday newspaper report, which claimed Lewis had reneged on an agreement with the Holmes’ show, has further infuriated the Australian team management.