RUGBY SUSPENSIONS

Chronicle (Levin), 20 December 1946, Page 5

RUGBY SUSPENSIONS

ECHO OE BIJSH PLAYING INCIDENT WELLINGTON, Dec. 19. I Sentences of 19 years' and five years' suspension 011 two players, imposed by the Eush Union for dumping a referee in the inud after a match, were reduced to eight playing Saturdays in the 1947 season, hy the New Zealand Rugby Union. Members considered the sentences iliost drastic considering -the nature of the offence. The opinion that the Auckland Fnion had considerably modilied the views originally ex]rressed, was voiced by niembers when a further letter was received dcaling with the issues raised regarding the arrangemcnts for the All ' Black- t'cam for thc, scconi:!.-- test against Australia.' Members agrc'cd that the only valid poi 11 1 raised related to the late assembly of the team. While reasons could be given for this, it was essential teains should be assembled earlv in justice to tlie players, selectors and jmlilic. Air transimrt would be the mode of travel in future and should ensure this being accomplished. Varsity Tours. ' The New Zealand Rugby Union has a])proved of a request from the Universities Rugby Oouncil for permission either to send a team to Australia next season or seeure a visit from an Australian Universities team. " We are endeavodring to revive the exchange of tours between New Zealand and Aus- ■ tralian Fniversities, " said the letter i from the rouncil. It is proposed that 1 the tour should take place in the Mav vacation and end chrly in June and should not conflict with big football.