RUGBY TO BE PLAYED

Evening Star, Issue 23497, 10 February 1940, Page 12

RUGBY TO BE PLAYED

RANFURLY SHIELD MATCHES UNLIKELY NEW ZEALAND UNION CHAIRMAN FAVOURS CONSCRIPTION [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, February 10. “ Any impression that Rugby will bis discontinued on account of the war is incorrect,” said Mr Dean (chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union) “ there will certainly be club football; the game has value for men going into training.” He gave it as his personal opinion that Ranturiy Shield matches should not be played and so far as representative matches were concerned it was unlikely that there would be any comprehensive tours, but no doubt there would be a number of home and home matches. To continue with the game, he said, would serve the interests of many players not eligible for war service. During the last war the game was carried on under the age limit. He considered this a mistake. For various reasons footballers of military age would not be with the forces.' A number would be in reserved occupations, and it would be a mistake to deprive them of their football. ’ He added that he was strongly in favour of conscription. This was the easiest way of avoiding any heartburnings, and he thought the sooner it was brought in the better.