RUGBY LEAGUE

Southland Times, Issue 20201, 11 June 1927, Page 8

RUGBY LEAGUE

RESIDENTIAL RESTRICTION REMOVED. ENGLISH LEAGUE’S ACTION. (Per United Press Association.) Auckland, June 10. A Press Association message from London stating that the English Rugby League by 20 votes to 9 has cancelled the agreement with Australia and New Zealand restricting the signing on of Dominion players, means that the residential qualification of two years has now been removed, and New Zealand players are at liberty to play League football in England. During the past two weeks, the refusal of the New Zealand Rugby League to approve application for transfers by L. Brown and B. Davidson of the City Club, Auckland, to the Wigan Club, England, has been an interesting topic in football circles. However, this latest advice places a different complexion on the position. The lifting of the ban was confirmed late this afternoon, when B. Davidson received the following cablegram from England: “Two years’ restriction been removed. Do you accept my terms? Dannatt, Hull.” In an interview, Davidson said he was disappointed when the New Zealand authorities refused to sanction his clearance and naturally was now delighted with the new position. Asked why the offer came from Hull and not from Wigan. Davidson said he was approached by the Hull Club, but not before he had actually signed a formal contract to play for Wigan. The terms of the Hull Club were preferable to those of Wigan and during the next few days he would eagerly await any word from Wigan. He would sooner play for Hull. Brown has had no official intimation from the Wigan Club.