FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14156, 7 March 1908, Page 10

FOOTBALL

THE BRITISH TEAM'S VISIT.

EIGHT INTERNATIONALS INCLUDED.

Press Association—By Telegr»ph—Copyrigl

LONDON, March 5.

■ The Rugby Union team for Now Zealand numbers 28 players, including eight internationals. A., V. Harding (Middlesex) will be. captain, J. M'Evcdy (Kent) vice-captain, and Mr George Harnett manager. , . [Mr Harding was a member of the British team which toured New Zealand in 190+. He played in the forward ranks.] THE PLAYERS. A FAIRLY REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. LONDON, March 6. (Received March 6, at 10.30 p.m.) Tho team for New Zealand is as follows:—

Pull backs—Dyke (Glamorgan) and Jackett (Cornwall). v

Three-quarters—R. Gibbs and J. L. Wil liams (Glamorganshire), Griffiths am Jones (Monmouthshire), M'Evcdy am Jones (Kent), Chapman (Durham), Vassal (Somersetshire).

Halves—Davey (Cornwall), Laton (Midlands), W.' Morgan (Kent), G. Williams (Lancashire). /

Forwards-Archer, Dibble, Down, and Kyke- (Somersetshire), R, Green, E/ Morgan, and. L; Thomas (Glamorgan), W. Oldham (Midlands), Ritson (Northumberland), Jackson (Cornwall), J. P. Williams, and Harding (Middlesex), Wilson (Cumberland), and another'.

The-team is considered to bo a fairlj representative one. It will probably return Australia, and Canada.

THE TEST MATCHES. (Per United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 6. Discussing the proposal of the Otago Eugby Union that three test matches bo played against the British team, Mr G. Dixon, chairman of the Executive Committee, states that the question of playing mora than ono test was considered when the itinerary was drawn up. The principal objection to playing more than ono match was.that valuable players who could obtain loavT from their employers to visit Wellington for ono teat match might not be able to obtain the necessary leave for, say, three matches in three different centres. The absence of a player from his work on three occasions might seriously inconvenience employers, and it also had to be remembered rhat no allowance was made to the player by the union for loss of wages. He felt sure that employers would readily allow extended leave for one match, in which event the toarrr would be able to practice together'in Wellington for some days prior to the eontest. _ He felt confident that the executive's i decision was the proper one.