RUGBY FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 23, 27 July 1920, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL IN BRITAIN

UPHILI, FIGHT AGAINST PROFESSIONALISM (PROM OUIt OWN COURESPONDENr.I LONDON, 10th June. At the annual general meeting of tho Rugby Football Union Mr. E. Proscott, tho president, at the outset, said certain proposals had been received from the New Zealand and Australian Unions with reference to the game. Although they did not agreo with a great number of these, yet there ,wero several which they rather welcomed, but they had deferred consideration until they had had an opportunity of obtaining the opinion of the South African Union.

In an appeal for an international match to be played occasionally jn the provinces, Mr. A. Hartley (Yorkshire) urged that this would be in the best interests of the g-ame. It would bo an encouragement to young players, who would see the best of s-ports iplayed by the best of players. The Eev. E. Haggard (Headingly and Yorkshire), in supporting, said "Rugger" should be tho dominating «jame of the country. It was especially essential that the union should support the North, . becanse those in tho South, had no conoeption of the uphill fight they had had' against professionalism. Great efforts had been, and were being, made by professional organisations to attract their player 3 and supporters, and unless those districts were officially recognised, it might be detrimental to the future of tho. game. Tho motion WK3 carried, the chairman stating that the committee was favourably disposed towards the idea and that steps wore being taken to i;!toct tho change.

Mr. Preseott stated that it «f»s hoped to assist small club? by loans to further the purchase of ground*: such loans to bo repaid by instalments and only a small rate cf interest to be charged.