RUGBY FOOTBALL

Grey River Argus, 13 March 1940, Page 10

RUGBY FOOTBALL

RESTRICTED GAMES.

I CHRISTCHURCH, March 12. In view of the present unsettled state of affairs, the incoming commit tee will need to give a good deal of consideration to competition and inter-provincial matches during the coming season, and it is not unlikely that inter-provincial fixtures may be abandoned for a season or two, and the usual competitions restricted, states the annual report of the Canterbury Rugby Union. This aspect of the game, says the report, is one which might well be discussed by the annual meeting, with a view to giving a lead to the committee.

“Although' quite optimistic about the future of Rugby, the committee is of the opinion that the coming, season must be curtailed and restricted. We can hope to do little more during the war than merely carry on the game among the younger players, and thus carry out our duty in assisting to develop a strong and healthy manhood. Clubs will undoubtedly be weakened by the loss of players volunteering for active service and thus their field of usefulness will be restricted. The great part played by Rugby footballers throughout New Zealand in 1914-18 will, we feel sure, be fully maintained in the present war, by the present generation of players. To the many who have already responded to the call and to those who will follow, we, express the union’s very best wishes for their safe return,” says the report.