RUGBY FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18515, 28 March 1922, Page 5

RUGBY FOOTBALL

FRENCH TOUR CANCELLED. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON. March 25, The French Rugby tour of Australasia has been cancelled. Much disappointment is expressed in Rugby circles in Paris at the cancellation, which is due to the New Zealand Rugby Union insisting on a greater number of matches than the French are able to give. Many of the team, who are in the army, would be, obliged to return by the middle of September.—A. and N.tZ. Cable. MR M’LEOD’S EXPLANATION. PLAYERS’ TIME LIMITED, (Pee United Press Association.) NEW PLYMOUTH, March 27. Referring to the cable message announcing the cancellation of the French tour, Mr J. M'Lood, president of the New Zealand Rugby Union, states that the difficulty arises through the time allotted the team being limited by the amount of leave they can get from the army. Apparently it is necessary that their departure from New Zealand would have to be made by the middle of August, but the sailing dates in the month are unsuitable, the nearest departure of a steamer being about throe weeks too Consequently the number of matches would have to be cut down, which would reduce the receipts. The tour would cost a large amount, and it would be ridiculous to undertake it, facing a financial loss, though it is regrettable that the visit- cannot take place. ANOTHER VERSION. , _ WELLINGTON, March 27. Confirmation of the report that the French tour is abandoned has been received by the Now Zealand Rugby Union. Mr G. S. Slade (chairman of the Management Committee) stated to-day that the excuse given by the French Federation was that the players wanted to be back in time for their championships. A meeting of the New Zealand Union will probably be held to consider the latest development. AN OTAGO RESOLUTION. At the meeting of the committee of the Otago Union, held last evening, Mr Harris moved —“This committee, being of opinion that it will be a great disappointment to the public of this dominion if the visit of the French team does not eventuate, the Management Committee of the New Zealand Union be urged to spare no effort to ensure the visit of the team to New Zealand during the coming season. The Otago Union suggests that a minimum of 10 matches bo played if necessary.” Mr Harris said that, judging by the results of the test matches against the South Africans, he was sure that a tour under the conditions he had suggested would prove a great financial success. Mr Strong seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.