THE RUGBY GAME

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XL, Issue 12084, 30 June 1932, Page 3

THE RUGBY GAME

INJURED PLAYERS. Wellington, in common with some other Rugby Unions, has shown a disinclination to part with time-honoured customs, such as the replacement of injured players, and leaving the field at halt-time, practices which are contrary to the rules as laid down by the International Rugby Board. However, under a decision of the management committee it was decided, as from J ulv 9, to comply with the wish of the New Zealand Union in the matter, but to request it to call a special meeting of delegates at the earliest possible date. The chairman, Mr J. Prendeville, said that, the Wellington Union had always loyally supported the English Union and strenuously opposed any attempt to depart from the rules as laid down by that body, but he thought the time had come when it must seriously review its position. It seemed to him that they wereSi being forced to comply with the latest request of the English Union and abandon two customs of long standing in this country. Much was made of the fact that England was the home ot Rugby, but investigation would show jthat it was very little ahead of New Zealand in Rugby traditions. SOUTHLAND ATT ITUDE. Electric Telegraph—Press Association INVERCARGILL, June 28. When the subject of the nonreplacement of injured players came before the Southland Rugby Union at its weekly meeting there was much strong comment from members. Some suggested that they should “cut adrift” and proceed along present lines for club matches at least. It was claimed that the ruling would have an adverse effect and reduce the game to one bordering or. professionalism. Despite their protests, members realised that they could only accept the inevitable and adopt tile mandate. DISQUALIFIED FOR YEAR. It is unusual for a Rugby club to disqualify one of its senior players, but such happened during the week, when the Alhambra club disqualified for a year its half-back who played against University A in a drawn game. The ground was misconduct on the field of play. NON-REPLACEMENT RULE. OTAGO UNION SEEKS REPEAL. DUNEDIN. June 27. The Otago Rugby Union passed a resolution that the New Zealand Union be informed that Otago conforms to its wishes in connection with the non-replacement of players, but asks the New Zealand Union to approach the English Union and endeavour to obtain permission to allow the replacement of injured players. A speaker remarked that at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Union the delegates had voted under misapprehension. Another remarked that it was time that New Zealand broke away from the English Union.