NEPIA AND THE LEAGUE.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LI, Issue 16805, 11 August 1925, Page 7

NEPIA AND THE LEAGUE.

AUCKLAND REPORT DENIED,

(Per Press Association.!

AUCKLAND, last night

The Star reports that Nepia, the All Black full-back, lias been granted a clearance by the New Zealand League Council to enable him to play for the Hull Club in England. This statement was denied to-night- by Mr J. Carlaw. chairman of the League Council, who said the position- is that an application for tho transfer of Nepia was received from the secretary of the English League on behalf of the Hull Club. It was decided that there was no reason for the application, as a. clearance for any Rugby player was not necessary. No communication had been received from Nepia.

NEPIA’S DISCLAIMER

STAYING IN NEW ZEALAND

DANNEYIRKE, this day

Regarding the Auckland Star report, indicating that Nepia might go to England to play League football for the Hull City Club, enquiries here to-day indicate that there is no truth in the report. While in England, Nepia was made several “tempting offers to play League, all of which lie declined. It is understood that Nepia lias not since been approached. He intends to remain in New ZealancJ, and next year with his club mate Pae.wai will join up with either a Napier or Hastings club. He has had numerous requests to go to Wellington, but preferred to remain loyal to the Hawke’s Bay province, not desiring to play against the present Ranfurly Shield holders.

NAPIER, this day. George Nepia, the Now Zealand fullback, left Napier to-day for Dannevirke. Questioned regarding tho Auckland report of his engagement with tho Hull League dub, tie expressed ignorance of the matter, and was not'very clear as to where Hull was. He had never communicated with them.

Nepia yesterday accepted a position with a Napier wool firm, and will shortly be working here. In any case lie has not expressed any intention of deserting tho Rugby code.