FIJIAN TEAM TO BE INVITED FOR SHORT TOUR

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 August 1948, Page 7

FIJIAN TEAM TO BE INVITED FOR SHORT TOUR

IPA) WELLINGTON, August 16. Provided the side could obtain some intensive coaching in New Zealand, Fijians would prove an undoubted attraction, as in some phases of JRugby they were brilliant. This opinion from one of the managers of the New Zealand Maori team which toured Fiji *Mr W. S. Henderson) was reported to today’s meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union executive by Mr A. A- Henderson agreed that Fijians had proved thoroughly worthy of belli 0 ' invited for a short New Zealand tour toward the end of the season. Some of their faults could easily be rectified by a good coach. They played attractive Rugby and were very It was decided to cable the Fijian Union for advice on the earliest possible date of arrival. Reporting on the return of the New Zealand Maori team last week. MiBaker said the players left Fiji on Tuesday morning, arrived in Auckland the same night, and played Auckland the next day when jaded and unable to do themselves justice. In the North Auckland match on Saturday, they hao impressed as a very good side. The gate at Auckland had been £lOBl and at Whangarei £5OB. The status of Rugby players who participated knowingly in. inter-house matches with ineligible footballers was raised in a letter from the Taranaki Union, which sought a ruling. Mentbers agreed that a big issue was involved. Such Rugby games were increasing and were popular. It was decided to ask the Taranaki Union if these matches were to be played under its jurisdiction and on its grounds. A letter from the New South Wales Union conveying the desire of the Randwick Club, Sydney, to play games in New Zealand at the encl of the season, was referred to the Auckland Union.