RUGBY RULES.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18541, 11 April 1930, Page 6

RUGBY RULES.

UNIONS IN A MAZE. KICK-INTO-TOUCH LAW. Sy Telegraph—Press Association. WELLINGTON, April 10. The old “kick-into-touch” rule will be reverted to in New Zealand this season, but special dispensations will be granted to Unions who desire to play club matches under the New Zealand rules. Such was the decision come to at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union this afternoon, after a protracted discussion. The subject was introduced by Mr S. S. Dean, who moved, on behalf of the Management Committee: —“That in New Zealand all games in future be played under the rules of the International Board.” Mr Dean said that unless the Dominion Unions were granted a seat upon the International Board, he would not agree to go back to the old rules. He doubted whether New South Wales would agree to go back to the old rules either. He suggested that a conference should be held in the Dominion while the British team was here, at which delegates from the South African, Canadian and Australian Unions could be invited to attend. Pending this conference he asked leave to withdraw the remit. Mr J. Prendeville (Wellington) said this would be a breach of faith with the Unions which supported this motion.

Mr J. McLeod (Taranaki) said that his Union favoured going back to the old rules, at least for this season. Backs under New Zealand rules now parted too much with the ball. A return to the old rules would also make for sounder scrummaging.

Mr H. Harris (Otago) also favoured a return to the old rules. Unions which desired to play under New Zealand rules could receive a special dispensation.

Mr A. McPhail (Canterbury) opposed a return to the old rules. Mr Murdoch (Auckland) also opposed a return to the old rules. Auckland had had to face serious rivalry. He moved as an amendment: “That this meeting affirms the resolution passed at the last annual meeting, that only trial matches and the North Island and South Island match be played under International Board rules.” Mr H. Frost (Auckland) seconded the amendment.

At the suggestion of Mr G. Pownall (Wanganui), it was decided to withdraw the remit temporarily, and substitute the Wellington Union’s motion: “That the old kick-into-touch rule be reverted to throughout New Zealand during the coming season.” Mr J. N. Millard (Wellington) asserted that if the old rules were reverted to Unions would be only too glad to return to New Zealand rules next year. Mr H. Frost (Auckland) said he could give the delegates an assurance that Auckland, when playing other Unions, would be only too ready to play under International Board rules. Mr S. S. Dean said they should either play under International Board rules or leave the rules as they were. If Auckland was to be given dispensations, these dispensations should be specified. Mr Murdock moved as an amendment that such Unions as may apply and get permission should be allowed to play under New Zealand rules in club matches only.

Mr J. McLeod said it was very pleasing to hear Mr Frost at least admit that Auckland was playing under rules which had not been sanctioned, even by the New Zealand Union. “Why is it?” he asked, “that Auckland played rules which no other Union in the Dominion considered good enough to adopt. All the Rugby brains in New Zealand are not in Auckland province.” A voice: “In Auckland City.” Proceeding, Mr said that Auckland city only knew one brand of Rugby, and if a team were to come along and play the game as laid down by the Rugby book, Aucklanders would not recognise the game. The president (Mr A. A. Adams) said he did not believe in makeshifts. Auckland was up against a difficult proposition. Why should they alter the rules for one year? The New Zealand Union should come boldly out and decide to either play the old or the new rules.

Mr A. J. Geddes (Southland) supported the Wellington Union’s remit. He declared that 99 per cent, of present-day players had no knowledge of the old rules, and they should be given a chance to meet the British team on level terms. Mr Tilyard (Wairarapa) supported a return to the old rules. It was agreed at this stage to tack the amendment on to the Wellington remit, and in this form it was carried. Mr J. McLeod then moved: “That it be a recommendation to the Management Committee to grant any Unions which might apply, for one year, permission to play under the present New Zealand rules.” This was carried. The remit standing in the name of the Management Committee was then reverted to. Mr E. Wylie moved: “That the following words be added to the motion: if and when we are given satisfactory representation in the framing of such rules.’ ” The mover said that New Zealand had a splendid chance of pressing for a voice in the forming of the rules, and it would be a mistake to let the opportunity pass. This was seconded by Mr J. McLeod (Taranaki) and carried, and the remit as amended was then passed on the voices.