THE RUGBY GAME

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11180, 8 April 1922, Page 9

THE RUGBY GAME

AND AUCKLAND RULEB. Mr T. A. Fletcher hue written to correct an impression of Mr J. W. Heenan, in referenoe to Mr Fletcher's letter to the London "Observer." Mr Fletcher points out that that letter was written in reply to a rather oaustio criticism of New Zealand's attitude to the Rugby game, in which it wee hinted that New Zealand was going "all out" for separation from the English Rugby Union. "1 wished to point out that what we were anxious to do was to save the amateur game, but I did not infer that there was a possibility of Auckland going over to the League if they were not granted permission' to play the amended rule®,” says Mr Fie toner. "The position is rather as Mr Dean suggested, that a separate amateur body would he formed if desperate measures were necessary. Personally, while my experience of the amended rule re kicking into touch suggests to my mind that it is a good one. I feel that it ought to be played by all or none I still maintain that the vast majority of the players in those districts where the new rule has been adopted are in favour of it, and I should not be at all surprised if a few more districts adopted it this year. The latest advice from Sydney shows us it is to be adopted in New South Wales.”