SUGGESTED RUGBY CHANGES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 5 January 1927, Page 3

SUGGESTED RUGBY CHANGES

(From Our Own Correspondent.)

LONDON, 25th Nov

Now that the imperial Rugby Conference is over, it is evident, that the homo Unions have been set problems which will make them think furiously. Most of these- problems have been created by the Dominions, and the feeling is that their views and interests must be fully considered. But they are not likely to get their full desires when the International Board malce their decisions. Some of the points raised are old ones. Why should a penalty goal, or a goal from a. mark, count as much as a try? Why should a dropped goal have a higher value than a- try? It has long been contended by players at home that these value-! should be revised, and there is likely to be less opposition to such changes as these than those concerned with the actual playing of the game. It is understood that New Zealand wishes to abolish the kick full pitch into touch, except when in one's own "25". This proposed new rule is, of course, borrowed from the Rugby League, and, as it is carried out by the clubs in Yorkshire and Lancashire, it has little to commend it. The impression created is that it leads to an interchange of high kicks between the respective full backs, with the rest of the players standing by in idleness, anil watching this little side-game until some ono blunders. But stop the kick to touch, and the game becomes ever so much faster wo are (old. Most players to-day think the game is already fast enough. The change may he good so far as professionals are concerned, but it would bo too punishing for amateurs, who have to do their training in the evenings, and then under most, difficult conditions. As a matter of fact, players in London have the utmost difficulty in keeping fit. Many wait until the late hours, and then go for a run round the houses, and this exercise on a couple of rights during the week has to suffice. But every question which the dominions have raised will be considered in the most friendly way, and there is little doubt thai useful results will follow from the Conference.