THE RUGBY SEASON APPROACHES

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 288, 28 March 1941, Page 4

THE RUGBY SEASON APPROACHES

THE outlook for the Rugby season this year is not a good one, yet there will be few who would be willing to draw a complete blank and forego some sort of organised competition. Aggravated by the growing transport difficulties the shortage of players, in at least the better class football,, will have a big bearing upon the continuation of the grand cVi game or not. But in spite of all shortcomings, it has occurred to us that there exists to-day one organisation through which a successful series of graded football competitions might be initiated—the Home Guard. The Guardsmen as everyone knows are endeavouring to fit themselves Ifor service in the event of an emergency arising. What better method than by a few friendly games run during the season between the various district detachments. Each centre could surely field at least one fifteen, while in many there would possibly be two. Younger members could be drafted in a junior competition and in this way the ball could be kept rolling with distinct advantage to members themselves. It might be possible to go even as far as including the game as part of the recognised training, though this could not.be applied to the rank and file, without risk of accident. Also it would have to. be understood that the tjsmpio of the game would be slowed up aiid the playing periods cut down in order to modify a strenuous game for the benefit of many old-timers who would feel prompted to fill the ranks once again.