RUGBY SUSPENSION

Dominion, Volume 18, Issue 11, 8 October 1923, Page 11

RUGBY SUSPENSION

The Marist Club (Christchurch) has appealed to the New Zealand Rugby Union , against the suspension imposed on it by the Canterbury Rugby Union in regard to the club have selected for the Payne Trophy match against the premier team of the Otago competition players who had not represented the club during the season. The New Zealand Union, at its latest meeting, upheld the suspension. The text of the Marist Club’s appeal is as follows : — “As the New Zealand Rugby Union has power to receive appeals against penalties and to remove suspension, tho Marist Football Club hereby appeals to the supreme controlling body in the Dominion that the suspension inflicted on the club by tho Canterbury Rugby Union may bo removed. The case is unioue in the history of Rugby in Now Zealand, and no lover of the game can view the sweeping suspension of a club comprising over 200 players and patrons (some of the patrons including the most loyal supporters of the game) without a feeling of grave apprehension as to the farreaching consequences of the present situation. Tho case is likewise unique in this respect, that the penalty has been inflicted without the club having been given an opportunity for explanation or defence. We are quite satisfied that the case for the club is worthy of a hearing. Wo are prepared fit> submit our case in person, or by advocate, or by written statement, and will be ready to appear at such time or place as your union may appoint.” The appeal will bo dealt with at tho next meeting of the N.Z.R.F.U.