RUGBY UNION SECRECY

Dominion, Volume 15, Issue 17, 14 October 1921, Page 10

RUGBY UNION SECRECY

REGARDING FRENCH TOUR CHAIRMAN OPPOSES PUBLICATION OF DETAILS An objection was raised at last night’s meeting of the New Zealand Rugby Union Commitice by Mr. S. S. Deans that the Press had not been given information concerning tho proposed tour of the French tram, which would come to New Zealand as an nmateur l>ody.Details had been discussed on Tuesday, and conditions had been drafted. "I rule you out of order,’’ said Air. G. AV. Slade, the chairman. Be, considered that details of the arrangements should not be made public. “AA'e’re only guardains of the game for tho public’’ said Air. Deans. “I disagree with you" said the chairman. After further argument, tho chairman expressed tho opinion that when the details were in order and confirmed they could then lie published. It would be unwise to publish the terms offered until they were confirmed. Air. R. T. Bailey: When they see the conditions it may bo a horse of another colour. Mr. A. Wylie: AVo havo nothing to hide, ’but it is merely a matter of policy. Air. Deans, with some show of indignation. moved that tho details be made public. Tho chairman would not accept the motion. “If details of tho South African tour had been made more public a lot of misunderstanding would have been saved” said Mr. Deans. “You’re only talking to the Press, Mr. Deans,” said the chairman. "I'4l not," replied Afr. Deans. “I feei the matter keenly." “I could toll you a lot, too,” said Mr. Slada. Here the em’sode ended. A Statement Made. Later, the following statement was made to a Dominion reporter:— “A letter was forwarded to Mr. C. F. Rutherford, secretary of tho Federation Franchise do Rugby, Paris, setting cut tho terms and conditions under which the French tour would be undertaken, an invitation already having been extended and accepted for tho season 1922. Twenty matches will be played in New Zealand and Australia, three to be Tests against a New Zealand team. The visiting team to cons.st of 25 players and a manager. It was suggested that the team leave England about the middle of April, 1922, via Panama. The New Zealand Rugby Union is to undertake the financing of tho tour." Before the meeting closed the Press representatives were shown the letter sent to Australia by the French Federation, forwarded to the Now Zealand Union by the New South AVales Union. The letter stated that the South Africa (Natal) Union had written stating that if a French team decided, to visit New Zealand and. Australia, Africa would be pleased if a match could bo played on the way out. The federation had already received letters from California, Toronto, and Afontreal. asking for visits on tho way back. The letter further stated: “Before replying to them, we wish to see if it is possible, as we think it is too much of an undertaking, and would take more time than our players can spare away, and wo should require to take so many extra, men for such a long tour. AVill you tell me the number of players you consider enough to bring, as we shall undoubtedly require a good many reserves in case ot accidents, and also how many officials would be allowed to come with the team to bo covered in the expenses paid by you.”