RUGBY FOOTBALL CONTROL.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 December 1929, Page 8

RUGBY FOOTBALL CONTROL.

It seems difficult to understand the attitude of the International Board of Control of the Rugby game in regard to the conference suggested by the New Zealand Rugby Union.. It is fairly well known that certain modifications of the rules of the board have been made in ■regard to play in New Zealand and elsewhere. These do not in any way vitiate the main principles of the International Board, particularly its insistence upon the strictly amateur qualification of all Rugby players. The modifications ■have been in the direction of brightening the game from the spectator’s point of view, and making it generally more a game of skill rathei' than of mere strength. So far as local play is concerned the New Zealand Rugby Union is, of course, supreme, but when international fixtures are made, such as those with the British team next year, the question arises as to which rules are to be obeyed. To avoid the handicap that playing, under unaccustomed rules might place upon either side the New Zealand Rugby Union proposed a conference while the British team is hero to discuss the appointment of an Imperial Rugby Board to control the rules of the game throughout the Empire. As the players will include representatives of the countries from which the International Board of Control is drawn, the suggestion. seemed a very sound one. The reply is a curt intimation that before the suggestion can be considered all the Dominions must revert to the board’s rulings, a condition that is unlikely to meet with acceptance in any of them. It would be a pity if Dominion unions found it necessary to definitely break with the British' authorities, but the latter must clearly understand that its present attitude leaves practically no other alternative. It was this rigidity of opinion that did a good deal to bring about the breakaway of the Rugby League players, though admittedly in their case the question of professionalism played an important part. The day has gone for any pontificial attitude on the part

of the International Board. If it will accept the loyal co-operation at the Dominion authorities in improving the regulations of the game there ie no question but that thift will be forth'roßilng. But it must be given between equals and not. as rhe British board would seem to imply, be regarded as almost impertinent intrusion by those who have had the audacity to question the rulings of the supreme command.