FATAL RUGBY GAME SEQUEL

Hawera Star, Volume L, 10 January 1931, Page 5

FATAL RUGBY GAME SEQUEL

FRENCH PLAYER IN COURT

CHARGE OF MANSLAUGHTER

(United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph

Copyright.)

PARIS, Jan. 8

There is intense interest in the trial at Bordeaux of the Rugby player Fernand Taillantou, on a charge of manslaughter of Michael Pradie by violent and unreasonable tackling and the exertion of a most vigorous pressure on his adversary’s neck. Three distinguished defending counsel arc all exRugbv players. Two were briefed by the National Sports Committee of the French Rugby Federation. The referee in evidence said it was a normal tackle. Taillantou was a strong but not a brutal player and had not committed a fault.

A spectator, Dr. Lapervenche, testified that Pradie had not secured the ball when Taillantou tackled him violently with the apparent intention of putting him out of nction. Thirty witnesses gave evidence." The public prosecutor declared that Rugby was not a brute's game and it was all the more necessary to penalise violence. He did not demand a severe sentence. The case was adjourned to January 22.