Rugby Union in the dark

Press, 31 January 1986, Page 30

Rugby Union in the dark

PA Wellington The chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union, Ces Blazey, has no knowledge of plans for up to 1* AH Blacks to play in an international side against South Africa after International Rugby Board Centenary matches in London in April.

A Hong Kong newspaper report, quoting the South African Rugby Board President, Dr Danie Craven, and an official of the Northern Transvaal .Union, said on Wednesday that Australian, New Zealand and French players' involved in the centenary games would later .meet. the. Springboks in a full-“test Series,” • • . Mr Blazey said yesterday that no invitatfdris seeking • Individual AH Blacks • . had ‘ been received. . “If we do receive invitations, we .will give them due consideration,” he. said.’ ' “The normal procedure is that a union seeking overseas players - makes its - 'approach through the .union to which the players belong.' “If we receive in vita- • tio'ns we consider them and pass them on to'the provincial unions which inform the players.” Mr -Blazey said it would be unlikely that South Africa'would approach the players directly and without reference to the New Zealand union.

“If they have gone directly to the players, that would be unusual,” he said.

The Hong Kong reports claim players from New Zealand, Australia and France will fly to Johannesburg from London on April 20 at the end of the 1.R.8. centenary celebrations.