Inter-zonal rugby ends

Press, 14 August 1989, Page 27

Inter-zonal rugby ends

PA Wellington The much-maligned interzonal rugby series has been scrapped. At its council meeting yesterday, the New Zealand Rugby Football Union decided instead to adopt a fourteam, two-match trial on May 1 next year. “Interzonal matches have been suspended for 1990,” the chairman of the N.Z.R.F.U., Mr Russ Thomas, said. “Regretfully the system did not operate as well as we would have liked.” The two main reasons the zonal fixtures were scrapped were because Auckland had asked the N.Z.R.F.U. to take some of the pressure off top players and the heavy international load next year.

"Auckland has asked us to go easy on the players,” Mr Thomas said. “And we have a very full programme next year.” The AH Blacks have a less extensive programme the following year, with only a tour to Argentina scheduled, but Mr Thomas indicated there was no guarantee that zonal matches would be rein-

troduced in 1991. He would not say whether the change was made at the request of the All Black coach, Mr Alex Wyliie. He said Mr Wyliie had not been re-appointed yet for next year, although he did express an opinion of the subject. With the trials to be held in early May, the South Pacific Championship and the C.A.N.Z. series could be robbed of several star players. Mr Thomas said it would be made clear that the trials were “important” to players invited to attend. The first of the tour parties expected next season could arrive in mid or late May. Romania has indicated it will still visit, but Mr Thoams did not say whether it would play a test.

The intineraries for the three touring sides — Australia, Scotland and Romania — would be released next month after approval by the nations concerned, Mr Thomas said.

The meeting also decided not to proceed further on its

investigations into alledged player-poaching. “Council has carried out an intensive investigation with the co-operation of unions,” he said.

“Some follow-up inquiries are being made but, in the meanwhile, on the basis of information received to date, there is not sufficient evidence to proceed further with a specific inquiry.” In other matters:

• The naming of the All Blacks to tour Wales and Ireland has been postponed two weeks to September 18. Mr Thomas said the selectors had asked for more time;

• A meeting with referees was held to discuss foul play problems; • The council turned down a recommendation to implement mandatory penalties but felt all unions should deal firmly and fairly with the players involved in midsconduct;

• It discussed a possible tour for an “age group” side as mooted by Colts coach, Mr John Hart, and a possible tour next year by the Divisonal 15 team.