RUGBY MATTERS.

Southland Times, Issue 18619, 18 August 1919, Page 7

RUGBY MATTERS.

To the Editor. Sir, —It would be interesting to know low some Rugby players this season can play for any club without permission of the Rugby Union. In this morning’s report of the Union meeting there is no mention of an application from Croad (Waikiwi) to play for Union, although he was playing last Saturday. Baird (Star) also played for Waikiwi on Wednesday, that making the third club he has played for since his return from the front. This sort of business is not a fair thing. Some weeks back a young player (V. McDermott) was penalised by the Union and suspended for two playing weeks. In fact, by the way some of the members of the Union spoke only his age saved him from a heavier penalty. Shand (Star) was also given permission to play for Union Club by the president before his application came before the Rugby Union. It seems to the writer to be a case of —I am, etc., FAVOURITISM. August 15. When seen with regard to the charges made in the above letter, Mr A. Geddes, president of the Southland Rugby Union, made the following statement: — 1. The application from Croad did not reach the Rugby Union in time for Friday’s meeting, but had since been received and dealt with. 2. With regard to Baird, the match Waikiwi played against Western District was not a competition game and Waikiwi had permission to draw upon any local players, should that club be unable to get away a full team. 3. “The case of V. McDermott was somewhat different,” said Mr Geddes, "this player called upon me and asked permission to play for a Wednesday team, and I instructed him to put in an application to be dealt with by the committee. McDermott played without having lodged his application and his disqualification was due to the fact that he chose to defy the Union when requested to comply with the by-laws.” 4. “The application of Shand was dealt with by me,” continued Mr Geddes, "because this player was anxious to get as much football as possible, and had just been transferred into town from the country. He was jvorking an early shift and had all his afternoons free, but when he asked for permission to play he was not allowed to choose his club. He was given permission on the condition that he played for the weak 'st club in the Saturday competition, and it was not until he was actually at the Park that he was assured of a game with Union.”