S.A. tour definitely on—claim

Press, 6 February 1986, Page 3

S.A. tour definitely on—claim

PA Wellington A Western Samoan rugby team will play nine matches, including two tests, in South Africa in May, the Sydney sports entrepreneur, David Lord, said yesterday. Mr Lord told Radio New Zealand that the controversial tour was definitely going ahead after being confirmed by the unanimous vote of the Western Samoan Rugby Union. He said he had been involved in tour arrangements for several months. The South African Rugby Board president, Dr Danie Craven, has denied all knowledge of the tour, but Mr Lord said his reaction was understandable. “Danie is in a very different situation from most things,” he said. “That man at 75 years of age has been through 10

lifetimes of sheer hell because of sporting contacts being withdrawn with South Africa only through rugby and cricket. “That is probably one of the most galling and appalling things — that it is only rugby and cricket that have been singled out.” Mr Lord said reports that the Samoan team would collectively earn up to $500,000 for the tour were incorrect. The players would be paid the standard International Rugby Board rate of $35 a day. The Fijian Prime Minister, Ratu Sir Kamisese Mara, said yesterday he hoped the players would reconsider their decision to tour. Ratu Sir Kamisese, who is also president of the Fiji Rugby Union, said the tour, if made, could affect Western Samoa’s participation in the Commonwealth Games in Scotland this year.