FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2074, 8 May 1907, Page 3

FOOTBALL.

In connection with the reported tour of a team of professional footballers from New Zealand to England, to play teams under the North Union jurisdiction, it is understood that from ten to a dozen players in Auckland liavo been asked by the promoters to make the trip. The greatest reticence is, however, observed by tho players, but from what can ho ascertained all tho Auckland members of tho “All Black” team have been asked, and a few other prominent players. Most of -them liavo said that they are not prepared to go, but it is bolioved that sovoral liavo expressed a willingness to make the trip. It is stated at Wellington that the movement has been on the tapis ever since the ‘AH Blacks” returned from their victorious career. A Wellington syndicate, aided by two moneyed men in other parts of the colony, lias, it is stated, announced its willingness to put up £IO,OOO to bring about the trip, provided a first-class combination can be got together. Press Association. NAPIER, last night. Tho Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union at their meeting to-night passed the following resolution: “That this Union views with disapproval the movement now boing made to send a professional team of footballers to England ; and urges the New Zealand 1 Rugby Union to do its utmost to kill the proposal, as in tho opinion of this Union it is likely to have a very damaging effect upon amateur Rugby football in the future.