FOOTBALL IN FIJI

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19328, 15 May 1926, Page 15

FOOTBALL IN FIJI

AUCKLAND TEAM INVITED. THE UNIVERSITY FIFTEEN. An invitation for a football team from the Auckland University College to visit Fiji in August has been extended by the Fiji Rugby Union. A cablegram has been received by Mr. A. A. Lucas, selector of the University team, and although no decision has been made by the Auckland Rugby Union, it is anticipated that the invitation will be accepted. The trip will coincide with the second term vacation, and the players will be billeted at Suva. Arrangements have already been made by the Fiji Union to provide a round of entertainments for the 19 players and a manager tv ho will comprise the party. If it is decided definitely to accept the invitation the team will leave Auckland on August 14, a day after the University closes, and arrive back on September 6, a day before the third teiin commences. Owing to the shortness of the visit it is proposed to play only about three matches on the tour, which extends over .10 days at Fiji. Although the Fiji Rugby Union has been in existence for some years no outside team has yet visited the island. In spite of this a fairly high standard has been attained, although it is stated that it does not altogether compare with that of the senior club teams in New Zealand. While in Fiji the visitors will be under the care of the island union, but they will have to pay their own boat fare. As no entrance charge can be made to the Suva ground funds cannot be raised through this medium, but collections will be taken up and there is a possibility that the University men will have part, if not all, of their boat fares refunded.