RUBBER SPRIGS FOR RUGBY

Chronicle (Levin), 11 September 1947, Page 4

RUBBER SPRIGS FOR RUGBY

TRIAL TO BE MADE IN LEVIN A description of a new type of footbail sprig, and an offer to forward samples to the Horowhenita Rugby Umio'a for trial, were contained in a letter .received' at a meeting of the union's managejment committee on Tuesday ni'ght. ' Constructed entirely of rubber, the isprigs are attaehed te the- sole of | the boot with short nails- through a | flange on the 'base. Additional hold on- the- sole is. createdi by the eon- : cave nature . of the base, which causes suction. On the upper portion of the sprig the surface is ribbed; to ensure a non-skid grip on hard slippery ground. The writer, Mr. G. F. Catten, of Opotiki, stated that under test the sprigs had' exceeded all that had been expected of them. He elaimed that they would make a player less tired at the end of a' game, and would1 give added imspetus. The committee decided to write to Mr. Catten, and thank him for tus information. It stated that i't would be pleased to receive any samples for a trial. Received at the same meeting was a letter from the superintendent of the Levin St. John Ambulance Division, Mr. H. Palmer, eommenting on a circular from the Waikato Rugby Union, which had been forwarded to him by- the Horowhenua Union. The circular had asked the union for its views on- a suitable substitute for the "unsatisfactory and dangerous" leather sprigs at present in use, and asked for the support of local St. John men. In his letter Mr. Palmer stated that he had had no experience with aluminium sprigs but said: "We are fully aware of the injuries caused by the old style of leather sprigs, and would welcome a change to aluminium, if by the change this class of injury eould be eliminated'."