Rugby In Ceylon

NZ Truth, Issue 985, 11 October 1924, Page 11

Rugby In Ceylon

INTEREST IN ALL BLACKS,

(By E. E. Booth.)

COLOMBO, August .15,. 1924. '' After witnessing the New Zealand team's matches m Sydney, I left- for London, by the Australian Commonwealth Government liner T.S.S. Moreton Bay.. Upon arrival at Colombo, I. met several gentlemen (notably ; Mr. Fernander, of the Royal College) who are keenly interested m the Rugby game. These gentlemen made many inquiries about the All. Blacks, i It is 'a, most surprising fact that such an active game should not only exist but flourish so close' to the Equator. '• . -. ■ ■ Despite great efforts, to nationalise the 'Soccer game, quite a large and growing portion of the secondary schools and colleges prefer ' Rugger. Many of the masters are graduates from English colleges and they usually encourage this liking and help to iricul-

cate its adoption. All the colleges play it m some measure. IC Avas most surprising to note the interest that has been aroused already at Colombo m the coming tour of the All Blacks m Europe. The success of the team is earnestly hoped for, and duly expected, and the results- Avill be folloAved with the closest interest by the Rugbyites m Ceylon. Much regret Avas felt that, f dlloAving on the matches m Australia, the NeAV Zealand team did not travel via Colombo. It had been considered postible to haA'e got together a team of some merit to oppose them, Avhich AvouldhaA^e included a few English Internationals and seA'eral ex-players of riote. Enormous ' interest Avould have been aroused and the game giA r en a tremendous filip. ■ The last occasion on Avhich a team of NeAV Zealanders passed through Ceylon and played at Colombo Avas on the tour of the late Mr. Baskeville's team m 1909 — the first Australasian League team to tour England. For indulging m this contest against a graded professional team the Ceylon players were disqualified for 12 months! The majority of the players m Colombo and Kandy are ex-British and engaged m either tea planting or the rubber industry. .. Several Avarships from the China station are at present at Colombo and many of the officers are Rugbyites and have been playing matches against local sides. • It is usual ' to play the biggest matches during the . racing festivities m August, when Colombo is en fete for a Aveek. There A\'as an inquiry to learn the Avorking of the Auckland amended rules. The idea of promoting a continuity of play when the thermometer often registers oA'er 7 5 degrees even after 4 p.m., AA'hen most matches commence, dissolved any idea of their adoption. The Singalese are much too light for forwards, eleven stone being considered a good Aveight. The backs are lighter still, and are all fast. It would be hard to imagine them up against NeAV Zealand's hefty team. The greatest match of the year is the meeting of the players of Colombo and Kandy, usually followed by a bigbanquet. Any Rugby team visiting Colombo could play a feAV matches and Avould' receive the heartiest of Avelcomes and be assured of a great time.