FOOTBALL.

Wairarapa Daily Times, 28 March 1925, Page 5

FOOTBALL.

ALL BLACKS WARNED.

BREACH OF AMATEUR RULE,

Several of the All Blacks have rendered themselves liable to disqualification from the Rugby Union game. The New Zealand Rugby Union yesterday sent a warning to all members of the team that on no account must they accept gifts of cash from their admirers. Those who have accepted “purses” or cheques must return them to the donors immediately.

■On returning to their home towns, every All Black was showered with congratulations, welcomed by civic bodies, and entertained by Rugby Unions and clubs. At the majority of these ceremonies there have been presentations to the players, sometimes of medals, sometimes of more useful articles, and in a few cases of cash. The New Zealand Rugby Union draws the line at the cash gifts. The strict interpretation given by the English Rugby Union to the amateur rule is almost proverbial; in Australia ami New Zealand a greater latitude is allowed, but in the interests of the game the authorities have decided to make a stand.

It is recognised that the returning players have been the victims of their friends, and the New Zealand Union’s warning, it is expected, will be sufficient,

It is probable that Mr S. Dean, manager of the All Blacks, will be present at the annual Red Star re-union on Monday night.