FOR AMERICA.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1431, 4 May 1912, Page 12

FOR AMERICA.

RUGBY UNION TEAM. "California Union invites team SaS Francisco, October," This is tiie wording of a cablegram received by Mr. W. W. Hili. secretary of tho New South Wales Rugby Union, recently from Mr. J, Hickey, secretary oi the- American organisation', and Kugby Union officials are considerably elated at (ho receipt of tho invitation. Ever since the return homo _ of the American Universities' team, which visited Australia and New Zealand in 1910, negotiations liavo been proceeding with a view of bringing iho American trip about, and anxious inquiries havo been forthcoming from tho returned tourists se to what would be the cost of such an undertaking. The students were appreciative of (lie kindnesses received here, and desired to return them, if possible, and with "hustle," characteristic of tho nation, havo already accomplished their desires. In addition to the Universities of California, Lclnnd Stanford, and Nevada, who had representatives in tho team in 1910, the colleges at Los Angelos, the Schools of Santa Clara and St, Mary s, (ho San Francisco clubs—Olympic nnd Barbarians—and tho Vancouver and Victoria Kugby Unions (B.C.} have joined hands in tliis venture, which will cost tho combined bodies 12,000 dollars (10,000 dollars will bo taken by (ho team's expenses alone). . Tho New South Wales Union is not likely to bo at any expenses at all. Guarantees were being asked for from all the bodies mentioned abovo when the last mail left America, and tho responses were coming in so readily that the cablegram now confirms the feeling existing uien, that tho amount would easily bo obtained. The tour spoken of as probable would include matches against all tho abovenamed institutions, and, besides, contests with an "All Cttliforuiaii" Icani and three test games with a combined American side. Some fifteen or sixteen fixtures will bo played. Leaving hare at the end oi tiie present season, tho team would bo on tour until tho beginning, of (he new year. Discussing the matter in its issue of March 17, the "San Francisco Call" publishes interviews with nil the leading men of the universities and tho other clubs, all of whom welcomed the proposed visit. Presidents Benjamin Ide Wheeler, David Stan- Jordan, .Dr. Frank Angell, Proicssor O'Neill,' and the graduate managers of all the colleges wore mentioned in favour of the proposal. , , , , . "With such a host of 'higher lips m favour of the visit," says the Call, it seems as if it is only a matter ol propel reorganisation of the Kugby Union to ac complish Hie task. The visit would without doubt be tho greatest, (lung in tho history of the game since its introduction here. " The team will bo a thoroughly representative one. Tiie meeting on Friday night will take up every side ot tho proposed visit, and preliminary arrangements will be made to bring the proposal to a successful issue. Local enthusiasts arc unanimous iu their opinion that tho visit should be made a reality, o.s such n. series of games at this time is considered essential to give the finishing touch to the high standard that has been gained in six short years of acquaintance with the English game. "'The expense of bringing snch a team to San Francisco will be the main substanco of tiie meeting to be held. It is cslimntcd 10,000 dollars will have to be raised to bring 25 men from Australia for tho tour. The British Columbian Unions havo already assured tho local union that it will be ready to stand' its part of the expense. Both Stanford and California will, no doubt, subscribe liberally for such it purpose, seeing they wero lavishly entertained in ' Australia two years ago; and the Olympic and Bar'barian clubs am also ejected to swell tho guarantee fund,'!