N.Z.R.F.U. Considers Barclay Case

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 102, 21 July 1927, Page 8

N.Z.R.F.U. Considers Barclay Case

INQUIRY TO BE HELD RANFURLY SHIELD AND CAMPS Press Association. WELLINGTON, Wednesday. At a fully-attended meeting of the Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Union to-night, the following letter was received from the secretary of the Wairarapa Union: “In regard to the recent Ranfurly Shield match, played at Masterton, between Wairarapa and Hawke’s Bay, my union directs me to draw your attention to the inclusion of W. Barclay in the Hawke’s Bay team. From a reliable quarter, Barclay did not leave Auckland until June 20, and was therefore not eligible to play for the Hawke’s Bay team, under rule 43 of the New Zealand Rugby Union’s rules governing the selection of representative teams. Prior to the game of July 9, Wairarapa questioned the bona tides of Barclay. Hawke’s Bay proved he had been a resident for 14 days, as provided by local unions for club contests. Hawke’s Bay has clearly broken the rule, and we ask the New Zealand Union to take action.” A lengthy discussion ensued. Eventually it was decided to request the Auckland Union to furnish evidence as to what qualification, if any, Barclay possessed to play for Auckland this season, and also as to the date on which he left Auckland. It was also decided to ask the Hawke’s Bay Union for the date of Barclay’s arrival in its district. Both unions are to be asked to furnish the information by noon next Saturday, in time for a special meeting of the New Zealand Union to deal with the Wairarapa protest. It was agreed that all challenges for the Ranfurly Shield should be suspended in the meantime. The chairman raised the question of the appointment of referees for Ranfurly Shield matches, stating that the New Zealand Union should do it. A discussion ensued in committee on the ordering off of Quentin Donald (Wairarapa) and Maurice Brownlie (Hawke’s Bay) in the last Ranfurly Shield match. A resolution was carr!>d to permit country teams to go into camp for training not more than two clear days prior to important matches.