RUGBY "RULES"

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 131, 5 June 1919, Page 4

RUGBY "RULES"

THE RECENT AMENDMENTS

WELLINGTON UNION'S ATTITUDE,

1 The rules of Rugby which were altered at. a, recent meeting of the N.Z.R.U. I wero mentioned at last night's meeting of the Committee of Management of the Wellington Union, and the question was asked by the Chairman (Mr. W. F. jHornig) as to what action the union was going to take in the matter. Mr. E. Perry: Our delegates voted against them. ■ We can't go back on our delegates. We will have to go on playing the old game. Mr. H. Buck; Question. Some discussion then ensued as to the instructions given to the delegates, and it was agreed that the latter had had a free hand except in regard to tjie suggestion for the abolition of the wing forward, which it had been 'thought might mean severance with tlie English Union. .'The Chairman pointed out tha,t it had been left optional whether the amended yules were adopted or not—in local competitions. Sir. E. Perry moved that' the new amendments be not played in the matches Under the jurisdiction of the Wellington Union. This was seconded by Mr. G. Jackson. Mr. Buck contended that it would be foolish of the union, to take up a "dog in the manger" attitude in regard to the rules. They should look at tho matter jn a broad light, ' and tha amendments should, in the interests of tho game, be given a trial. Mr. Buck referred to the awkwardness of the position which would arise if Wellington, not playing the amended rules^ were; to meet Auckland or Canterbury, which were doing so. ' /Mr. A. J. Griffith's agreed with Mr. Buck. So far as, the abolition of. the wing-forward was concerned, .he believed it would benefit the game, and the union'miist rise with the times.- . Mi. Perry contended that the wing forward tended .awards a smarter opposing half. ' '■ Mr. J. Prendeville-pointed out that it was optional for any: team to play a wing-forward, but the amended rule would mean that no player could break away from the scrum until the ball was out. Mr. J.-N. Millard said that under tlie new rule it would bo possible for the two back-rankers in the scrum to hold tho ball until their half wanted it. Mr. Griffiths said he had seen the rule played in Auckland, and he was much jn favour of it. At present, tha wing-, forward was instructed to be nothingelse but a fighter and taught how to throw the opposing wing-forward. The abolitiou of the latter position would, |ie held, tend to make .the game cleanerMr. Perry referred to Qoorge Gillett as the. best wins-forward seen in New Zealand, and said he always played the ball, not the man. <

. After some further discussion, an amendment was carried'to the'effect that all the clubs under the union be 'circularised, and asked for an expression of opinion on the alterations to the rules, and that a general meeting of delegates should be held on 17th June to consi,dey the matter. „•