RUGBY PROSPECTS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 48, 12 March 1937, Page 6

RUGBY PROSPECTS

Early Start of Season NEW BL00D IN TEAMS An early start is being made with Rugby Union . organisation this year, and in the Hastings-Napier district there has been shown an enqouraging lceenness among the teams, which augurs well for the full success of the 1937 season. The annual general meeting £>f the New Zealand Rugby Union is being held a month earlier this year in view of the approaehing tour of the Springbolcs, and with new blood being infused into most c: the senior teams, the high standard of senior competition matches last year -should be well maintained. Marisfc Old Boys, winnors of the senior cliampionship. last ■ year, aro understood to have added to their ranks a wing tliree-quarter and a forward from tlie Whangarei district. Tho prospects of a Hawke's Bay eliallenge for the Ranfurly Shield aro ratlicr reniote. Otago, the holders, aro to tour tbe North Island tbis season, and tbeir trip will acocunt for over a montli of the playing time. It is tkought, therefore, that the only challonges will be from ueighbouring union such as Oanterbury aud Southland. Hawke's Bay's tour of the South Island, which talces place every four years, is scheduled for the 1938 season. To-morrow afternoon there is to be u meeting of inenibers and supporters of the M.A.O. club. Ofiicials are confident that during the coming season M.A.O. will take a promiuent place in the competition and they report that they will liave a l'air sprinkling of new. blood As far as can be aScertaiued M.A.C. will again be tho only Maori team playing in. ihe competition.