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Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 18, Issue 45, 4 June 1907, Page 5

THE PROFESSIONAL TEAM

It is stated on good authority that the professional team who are being organised to go to England to play Northern Union Clubs are not being organised by a speculative syndicate. The players are financing themselves, though they have been offered financial assistance if required by them. A promoter states that the prominent representative players invited to join the party have, with few exceptions, consented to go. It is stated by one in the inner circle that a public announcement would have been made some time ago but for the fact that too many players are offering, which necessitates a Selection Committee composed of players from each of the four centres meeting and making a final selection. It is stated that before long the public will be taken fully into the confidence of the players, who do not wish to hamper the New Zealand Rugby Union in any way. The intention was to leave New Zealand after the Australian tour of the New Zealand amateur representatives, but the action of the New Zealand Rugby Union in requiring players to sign a statutory declaration has precipitated matters, so that the professional team will now probably leave in July, and proceed home via Suez, in order to arrive in England in time for the opening of the season.

Wellington, June 1. The New Zealand Rugby Union have cabled to the English Rugby Union disclaiming any connection with the proposed visit of a professional team from this colony to the Northern Counties of England. An English football team are likely to visit New Zealand during the coming year.