RUGBY IN THE EMPIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 74, Issue 108, 9 May 1931, Page 13 (Supplement)

RUGBY IN THE EMPIRE

This week’s acceptance of the rules of the International Board by the New Zealand Rugby Union was probably the wisest coursr to follow, in view of a claim to be made for the recognition of the important principle of representation. It was indicated fairly plainly by 7 the manager of the British team that visited lhe Dominion last year, that, so long as New Zealand deviated from the rules under which the game was played in Britain, the greater would be the delay in giving her a voice in the making of the laws and rulings fo r the government of the game. While it was not definitely stated that, by falling into line concerning the rules, the way would be paved for direct representation on the so-called international body responsible for that duty, it. was certainly imp Led. No one can argue that there is any fairness in a position where England, Scotland, Ire land and Wales form by their representatives a board that controls the game, while the strong Rugby countries, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa, are wholly ignored in the matter of representation, it is somewhat difficult to understand why there should be so much insistence by the. Rugby authorities in Britain on the rules as fathered by the International Boa .’I being so closely followed in New Zealand play. It. would seem that the most sensible attitude is that adopted, in at leasr one other sport, where rules may be alteted to suit New Zealand condi tions. but when competition with othe’ countries is engaged in, the generallv recognised code must be adhered ’<• Had the New Zealand Rugby Union adopted such a policy the breach that already exists concerning represent'.! tion might possibly have bee i widened and the game made to suffer. The*'.? ,; s wisdom in making concessions w l, en impo’tant benefits are likely to be ga’ne::. However, the oversea dominions are in titled to be heard and the request a conference to discuss the c^t'blishciei-t of an Imperial R igby Board renrc.’o. ting all sections if the Finnic • cm scarcely be refused.—Napier iDaily Telegraph.