RUGBY DURING WAR
GAME TO BE CONTINUED UNION CHAIRMAN’S VIEWS (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Saturday 1 “Any impression that Rugby will be discontinued on account of the war is incorrect,” said Mr S. S. Dean, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union. “There will certainly be club football. The game has a value for men going into training.” He gave it as his personal opinion that Ranfurly Shield matches should not be played, and as far as representative matches were concerned it was unlikely that there would be any comprehensive tours,* but no doubt there would be a number of home matches. To continue with the game, he said, would serve the, interests of many players not eligible for war service. During the last war the game was carried on under an age limit. He considered this was a mistake. For various reasons many footballers of military age would not be with the Forces. Numbers would be in reserved occupations, and it would be a mistake to deprive them of their football.
Adding that he was strongly in favour of conscription, Mr Dean said this was the easiest way of avoiding any heartburnings, and he thought the sooner it was brought in the better.
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Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 10
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204RUGBY DURING WAR Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 10
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