PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2127, 9 July 1907, Page 3

PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL.

An interesting question arose at the last mooting of tho New Zealand Football Association, concerning tho position or u man prominently associated with tho professional scheme. The Rugbv Union disqualified the man in question, and forwarded his name on to the Football Association to lie posted. One officials submitted that it would ho a contravention to tho rules of tho English Association to uphold tho disqualification, and it was docidod to refer tho matter to the Homo authorities for an opinion. A gentleman now in Wellington told a Post reporter that ho remembers a case in point. J. W. Sutcliffe, an international tlireo-quartoi;,back, was suspended amongst other players by the English Rugby Union for professionalism. Almost immediately afterwards he played goal for Bolton Wanderers (Association), and eventually represented England in international matches. Sutcliffe is one of the feiv players who have represented England at’ both Soccer and Rugby.

THE TEAM SELECTED. “PROS” IN THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM. (Special to Tillies.) „ WELLINGTON, last night. The professional football team, which is to visit the North of England, has been selected, but the names will not bo ltnulo public for sdmo time. . j The promoter says it would not} l)e lair to some of tho members of itlie team to make their names public yet.

lie asserts that the team is a strong one.

There are sixteen forwards and nine backs, lint probably two more players will be added to the list before the team leaves New Zealand.

As at present constituted tho team comprises mostly North Island men. At least nine of the men selected have represented New Zealand and several of them were members of the famous “All Black” team, Tho team will leave Now Zealand for England next month, after the return of the Now Zealand rep. team from Australia. It is understood here that- one Southern player and perhaps one or two others in the Rugby Union’s team now en route to Sydney, will join tho professionals, and there is some speculation as to how tho presence of these intending professionals in the team avill affect 'the result of the matches in Australia.