RUGBY MANAGER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22555, 21 October 1936, Page 20

RUGBY MANAGER

IN CHARGE OF SPRINGBOKS A POPULAR APPOINTMENT Mr. Percy W. Day, who has been appointed manager of the South African Rugby team to tour Australia and NewZealand next season, is well known to members of the New Zealand Army team which had such a successful tour of South Africa in 1919. It was he who piloted the New Zealanders on that occasion. "Percy Day is a great chap. It is good news to hear that he is coming here," said Mr. E. W. Hasell, of Christchurch, a former All Black, and a member of the Army team. "What he did for us in South Africa in 1919 was wonderful. He will be an ideal manager for the Springboks and is bound to be popular in New Zealand." Mr. Day, though born in England sixty-five years ago, has spent most of his life in South Africa. In his younger clays he was a prominent footballer,' but, owing to a damaged knee, his career as a player was cut short. However, he devoted his attention' enthusiastically to the legislative side of the game. He was also a keen cricketer and an amateur boxer, as well as being a fine swimmer. He is a prominent figure in racing circles, having been for many vears secretary of the South African Turf Board. Mr. A. do Villiers, the assistant manager, is the Orange Free State representative on the South African Rugby Board. He has been connected for sixteen years with football administration and has won high esteem as a vigorous and impartial official, always willing to help players and push the game along. The Springbok team sails for New Zealand on May 14, 1937.