Inter-Island Rugby Match Is a Problem

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 35, 4 May 1927, Page 7

Inter-Island Rugby Match Is a Problem

Claims of Rival Unions Under Discussion WILL WELLINGTON GET IT? \ (Special to THE SUN.) WELLINGTON, To-day. When the New Zealand Rugby Union holds its annual meeting to-morrow, it will decide on the location of the interIsland match for this season. It is recognised that Canterbury possesses strong claims to this match, and indeed it is probable that Southern delegates will come to Wellington fully expecting to be granted the fixture. But strong opposition is likely to be forthcoming from Hawke’s Bay, which also claims the right of staging the event of the season, and if the country unions align themselves with the Bay representatives, it is likely that the game maj r be played at Napier or Hastings. However, as things stand, it is more than possible that a proposal will be made that the match be played In Wellington again this year, and the following year. The Management Committee of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union has in mind the South African tOLir of next season, and next, year June 3, the date of the inter-island match, falls on Sunday, and the King’s Birthday holiday will be observed on the Monday. It is felt that an excellent arrangement would be to play the North-South match in Christchurch on the Saturday, June 2, and then stage the final All Black trial, Possible-Probable contest, in Wellington on the following Monday. THE SOUTH AFRICAN TOUR This is what would be suggested at to-morrow’s meeting if the date on which the All Blacks of next year will have to depart for South Africa werd known. Unfortunately, no definite advice as to sailing date has yet been received and arrangements for this season will have to be concluded before the itinerary is settled. Naturally, such a course as that outlined would lead to the suggestion that Canterbury should sacrifice the match this year, but if the Canterbury representatives are not inclined to view the proposal favourably, they may obtain the fixture. It is not felt that it is practicable to* give this to Hawke’s Bay, because of the Bay’s geographical position and the amount of extra time lost by players in travelling. It is pointed out that employers have been very long-suffering, but that many stars may be refused leave this season if the time asked is too great, and that in the case of Auckland, for instance, whereas an Auckland man could come down to Wellington on Friday at a pinch, go South on Friday night, return on Saturday night, and be back at business in Auckland on Tuesday morning, he would lose another two days if he had to travel to Napier or Hastings. Further, and this may be the deciding factor, with no international visit to provide finance, the New Zealand Union looks to the NorthSouth match this year to yield a good return.