RUGBY RULES.

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 492, 29 June 1932, Page 11

RUGBY RULES.

Adherence to English Dictates. ICANTERBURY UNION’S PROTEST. There will be no replacement of injured players and teams will have to remain on the field at half-time as the result of the Canterbury Rugby Union deciding last evening to observe to the letter the rules of the game as laid down by England, pending a conference cf representatives of all unions. The New Zealand Union is to be asked by Canterbury to call a conference. A circular from the New Zealand Union said that the Rugby Football Union was forming the opinion that New Zealand was not adhering wholeheartedly to the unanimous decision of the annual general meeting to accept the laws of the game as laid down by the International Board. “ It is now definitely stated,” read the letter, “ that replacement of injured players is not allowed. We have been asked to cable assurance that the rules are being carried out in their entirety, including not leaving the field at half-time without the permission of the referee, and no replacements. In view of the resolution referred to we have no alternative but to request the strict compliance with the laws of the game; and, as we have “babied our assurance that rules will be complied with, my committee yoyr co-operation in giving effect to the wishes of the Rugby Football Union.” Mr J. K. Moloney suggested a conference of the representatives of the various New Zealand unions. lie moved that a conference be suggested to the New Zealand Union. Mr R. W. Britton seconded the motion. The chairman (Mr A. E. M’Phail) mentioned the possibility of procuring a dispensation. Mr T. Milliken said he thought the New Zealand Union should take into account calling a conference with Australian representatives to discuss taking united action. Mr S. F. Wilson said that if the New Zealand Union did not call a conference Canterbury could consider calling it. “It would seem that England has become vindictive since we turned down the straw they offered us,” he said. The chairman said that it looked as if Elngland was using the 1935 tour as a lever to bring New Zealand into line. Mr V. L. Jensen moved that Canterbury conform to the new rules in the meantime and that all the affiliated clubs be written to setting out the position and stating that a protest had been entered. The motion was carried.