BRITISH RUGBY TOUR.

Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 172, 14 April 1908, Page 9

BRITISH RUGBY TOUR.

TEAM FOR MEW ZEALAND.. THE PLAYERS. ' After the epoch-making tour of the " All Blacks " in IflOo, which may be said to havo firnily established the prestige and renown of New Zealand "Rugger," this Colonial authorities expressed n wish for a visit from a British team (remarks tho London "Sportsman" of March 6). In response to a cordial invitation, the Rugby Union, in conjunction with- the Welsh Rugby Union (who throughout tho entire negotiations lent their hearty co-operation and support), are sending out Vteam next month. AVhcn the project was \lefinitely decided upon, Mr. Geo. Harnett, tho member for Kent on the Rugby Union Committee, at once took it in hand. Tho gathering of this side entailed much hard work, but Mr. Harnett's' well-known geniality, perseverance, and energy triumphed over all, difficulties. Tho party is not so strong as I ,could be wished, but it must- bo remembered that the Irish and Scottish Unions were iiot\ onamoured of the trip. Thoir point of view is that theso tours tend to professionalisi|i, and are, therefore, not for the good of tho game. This is a thorny subject, but it said that the Scottish view does not find acceptance in this country. Had thero bceiiqthe slightest from tho powers that be-in Scotland.and Ireland, it ia highly! probable that several prominent Irish and Scottish players would have been of the part}\ 'As it is, the men below may weld into a serviceable side. The twenty-eight ore: — *J. C. M. Dyko (Peiiarth, Coventry, and Wale's),'.and *E. J'. Jackett (Cornwall and England) (backs), '■ ' F. E. Chapman (Durham), *R. A.VGibbs (Glamorgan and Wales), *J. L.. Williams .(Glamorgan and Wales), i R. B. 'Griffiths (Monmouth), ■ *J, Ponty Jones'(Monmouth and Wales), : J. P.'J<ines (Kent and Guy's Hospital), P. F. M'Eve'dy (Kont).' (vice-captain)and *111, H.-j Vassal! (Oxford University and England)..(three-quarter backs), •T. Dayeyi(Cor'nwall), .' , • H:. (Midland : Counties), W. Morgan (Kent and London Welsh), and G. L.. Williams (Lancashire) (half-backs), H. Archer; (Guy's Hpspifal and' Somerset), *R. Dibble, (Somerset and England),. 1 ' P. J. Dowii (Somerset), .' ..R,'.K. (Glamorgan), , : *A. F. Harding (London Welsh and Wales) (captain), . F. Jackson (Cornwall), ' , G. V. Kyrke (Somerset), E. Morgan . (Glamorgan), ' W. L. Oldliam (Midland Counties), J. A. S. Rilsjm (Northuiiiberiand), L. S. Thomas'(Glamorgaul, *J. F. Williams (London Welsh and Wales), . .'. . ; . G. R.'Hird (Kent), awl T. Smith (Leicester)., (forwards), : G. H.Harnetti(Kont) (rimnager). ( v v * International. /,, It will bo noted/that thero are uino Inter-' nationals who hai'o represented England and Wales, In 'addition; M'Eve'dy, G. t.,. Williams, Kyrke, , arid. Oldham'havo each been English reserves.' V * ,! . ' Tho.itinerary will'probably comprise fifteen matches ill Now''"Zealand, including three Tests, fivo matches'in Now South Wales, awl Dcssibly ii game.or;two in Canada oil the.way homo.' Tho .ribbon will be red anil iwhite,' with'; a narrW 'edging, of blue. The jerseys arn rod and white. • It may bo interesting to note that the last British, team to tour"'Australia and.N.e-w Zealand in 1004 had tho following record :~ " .'4' : , Hrd; IVro Dm.' Lost For W. In Anntrnlin ■ - 14. H ,0 • o sjii .51 New Zealand /i ''i 1' 2 02 33 ~ Total 1!) 12 257 Si Harding and M'Evixly aro tho only 1904 players who aro now,-mating the journey.