FOOTBALL.

Colonist, Volume LIV, Issue 13412, 9 May 1912, Page 6

FOOTBALL.

CHARGES OF ROUGH PLAY,

(United Press Association.]

Wellington, May 8. Tho Wellington Rugby Union's management committee this evening suspended T. Rapson, of thoAthletic team, for twelve months, for hitting an opponent in the match against Pete no last Saturday. Rapson denied hat he hit the man, but the referee stated he did, and characterised the incident as a very deliberate and foul one.:v Rapson -said whilst the player was forcing his way through other, players,' after a line ont, he (Rapspn) placed One of his hands on the man's chin and shoved him back. Regret was expressed that the act was committed. The members in Wellington had not the power to report cases of roughness a-s could' be done in Otago. The chairman (Mr.E. 0. Hales) said the New Zealand Union had absolutely upset "the rule last year. A man was reported by "the "Otago: Union .for roughness, but th^'decision was over-ruled by the New Zealand Union, also by the Appeal Committee.

. It was resolved to write to the clubs requesting their assistance in suppressing rough play.