Retiring president: rugby 'a great game’

Press, 14 April 1979, Page 22

Retiring president: rugby ' a great game’

By

JOHN BROOKS

“Rugby is a great game; a game to be enjoyed by participants and spectators alike. That’s what it is all

about.” If Charlie Rhodes has any message to leave with the country’s rugby fraternity at the end of his oneyear term as president of the New Zealand Rugby Union next week, it would surely be this. He says it with conviction as he looks back on 12 months of hectic activity in the national game. The Northern Transvaal invitation controversy, player fatalities, the Ranfurly Shield row, the All Blacks’ “grand slam” in Britain, opposition to the law change on the maul, and the Cantabrians’ trailblazing tour of Britain were among events which made headlines during this period. Some of these matters have caused flak to fly around rugby circles, and Mr Rhodes has not been averse to speaking out boldly on vital issues. But he is not ducking for cover from controversy when he says rugby is to be enjoyed. He genuinely believes this to be true. For him, the spirit of the game is paramount. In this respect he hails the Cantabrians’ tour of Britain and Italy as adding a new dimension to rugby. A quality team in which experience and youth were mingled has much to offer the game, as long as it does not play “airy-fairy stuff.” And, he added, it provides an appealing alternative to professional rugby. But he sticks unswervingly to his belief that a strong All Black team keeps the amateur game in good heart in New Zealand. “An All Black team which maintains a high standard attracts specators and encourages young

people to play the game,” he says. “The fact that the AU Blacks won six out of seven tests last year created an enormous amount of interest among rugby followers of all ages. Even though the side lost at Eden Park to the Wallabies, it was still a great game of rugby.”

And Mr Rhodes makes no bones about his desire to see South Africa back in the rugby fold, although he regards it is a slight on the .office of New Zealand president that he did not receive an invitation from the Northern Tansvaal union to attend the world invitation XV matches recently.

He feels that certain aspects of the matter could create disharmony at national administrative level, particularly the fact that eight players made the trip to South Africa, although only six were sanctioned bv the N.Z.R.F.U. “The game should not be disrupted by situations which occurred this year.” Mr Rhodes has not been a president who kicks for touch when faced with contentious issues. For instance, he is not in favour of neutral referees, unless Australia is prepared to inter-change with New Zealand. He is adamant that the “rogue” player — the one who deliberately plays the man rather than the bail — has no place in rugby, and he is pleased that New Zealand’s efforts to broaden the laws relating to foul play are helping to clean up the game. He favours the retention of the Ranfurly Shield, because the challenge system gives minor ■‘unions the opportunity to play for a major trophy in front of a big crowd. But.

he “hates to think” the shield will take pride of place over the national competition, which he

feels is developing satisfactorily, and attracting increasing interest.

And, in reference to North Auckland’s refusal to put the shield on the line against Otago and Southland last season, he says the holder “abided by the rules but defeated the spirit of the game.” He is keen to see New Zealand extend its exchange of tours schedule to include such countries as Italy, Rumania and Argentina on a fairly regular basis. “Rugby is developing rapidly round the globe, and New Zealand should encourage emerging national teams. The potential in America and Russia must be colossal, and I can see these two being at the top in the world.” As a man who went straight from senior rugby — for Sydenham seniors — into the administration of the game, Charlie Rhodes finds himself as the immediate past president of both the Canterbury and New Zealand unions at a comparatively early age. He wants to continue to serve rugby in some way, and his services are certain to be welcomed.

But, he points out, rugby administration is time consuming, and he could not have done the job he has carried out for Canterbury (21 years) and New. Zealand if he had not had an obliging and understanding wife and support and interest from the family.

The retiring president of the New Zealand union has the same wish for his five-year-old grandson, about to make his debute in Auckland, to the most senior: “I just hope they get enjoyment out of the game.”