Lions Deny Ban Put On Press

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 19

Lions Deny Ban Put On Press

(By Our Rugby Reporter.) INVERCARGILL. “A storm in a teacup” was how the manager of the British Isles Rugby team (Mr D. J. O’Brien) last evening described earlier reports that the Lions had barred newspaper reporters from attending their trip up the Waiau river, organised by the Southland Rugby Union.

Mr O’Brien was surprised when he was told of the reports.

Because the Lions had what they regarded as a free day away from the echelon of Rugby reporters accompanying the tour, they did not expect this to be interpreted as a ban on journalists, he said. Mr O'Brien said that the team regarded this as a free day and he hoped that during the next three months there would be more free days for his team. Times For Privacy

Mr O’Brien added that he was always approachable and he refuted any suggestion that the Lions had erected a barrier to Rugby reporters. Mr T. C. Morrison, chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, said yesterday that there were times when a touring team should have its privacy.

“This appeared to be one of those occasions,” he said. “There are time when the Lions will ask for free days. “There are times when the press has to be with them.

“There are also times when the New Zealand union will

say that the Lions will have a free day. “This policy has worked on other tours: I am sure it will work on this tour.” Official Reception Some of the misunderstand- | ing appears to have come from the Southland Rugby Union I officials. At an official welcome for the Lions on Tuesday the British press was invited and New Zealand journalists excluded. A’Similar occurrence took place yesterday with the jet boat trip. However, the diplomatic Mr O’Brien made it clear that he welcomes newspapers throughout the tour. But he does feel that his players should have their relaxation when they feel like it.