THE ALL-BLACKS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LVI, 31 December 1924, Page 3

THE ALL-BLACKS

NO GAME IN SCOTLAND

RUGBY ENTHUSIAST DIS APPOINTED

No one would rejoice more heartily than myself were it possible to have the All Blades brought to Scotland for even one match, wrote All-round Sport in the Edinburgh Evening Dispatch last month. Whether or not that is possible I cannot say, but we should know very shortly if . the Scottish Union have given permission for a match taking place in Edinburgh and one in Glasgow. In view of the iirm attitude the union have taken up in regard to the tour, I cannot see them yielding to give official sanction, and without sanction I do not seo how any Scottish players could take part in a game within the bounds of Scotland. Should they, by any chance, give way to public opinion, and give lovers of the Rugger game in Scotland an opportunity of seeing this wonderful combination of players, many thousands of Rugby followers will be very thankful to them, and there are many who argue that as five Scottish internationalists have been allowed to play against the All Blacks in England, tlioro would be no- inconsistency in permitting a club not connected with Rugby at all arranging a fixture or fix-, tures with the New Zealanders. It is difficult to imagine a Scottish side being picked at the moment who would he likely ! to beat the tourists, or even hold them. There are not many youngsters who have come to the front sufficiently well to suggest being picked, and I fancy the team would be largely on the lines of last year’s lot who went down to England. Hi •is extraordinary the feeling of disappointment that prevails in Scottish Rugby, circles over the fact that the New Zealanders are not to be with. us. It has grown and grown, and with the success attained by the tourist? the desire to see them has become overwhelming. I have not met a Rugby man yet who has not the feeling- that something should 'have been done to get them North, and, like Barkis,' the New 2ealaridess are willing-.

“My committee cannot agree to the proposal.’’ i Such says an Edinburgh telegram to the London Evening News, was the curt reply that was made by the Scottish Rugby Football Union to a. request from certain private enthusiasts that it give permission for. the All Blacks to play matches in Scotland —one in Edinburgh and the other in Glasgow. After playing Cumberalnd at- Carlisle recently the All Blacks announced their willingness to arrange a couple of dates in Scotland, provided the Scottish Rugby Union would agree, but all they have' got for their, pains is a rather nasty snub. The .Scottish Rugby Union objects to play the All Blacks, or to recognise them in any way, because it does not approve of the 'method fiy which the expenses of the-touring, players are paid. These, it says, do uit conform strictly to the rules of amateurism. In the past serious disputes have been caused by the Scottish Rugby Union’s inflexible interpretation of wfiu consulates an /amateur player'.