WAIKATO FOOTBALLER DESERTS RUGBY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 128, 20 August 1927, Page 9

WAIKATO FOOTBALLER DESERTS RUGBY

FRANK BUCKINGHAM TURNS PROFESSIONAL TO PLAY FOR SWINTON (From Our Own Correspondent.) HAMILTON, To-day. Frank Buckingham, the Waikato representative centre three-quarter, has accepted an offer to play for Swinton Rugby League Club in England. This announcement of the Hamilton player’s decision to go over to League ranks will occasion a great surprise to Rugby football followers in Hamilton and the Rugby code has suffered the loss of an excellent back and a distinctly promising young player. Confirmation of the report that he had elected to join issue with the League club was made by Buckingham when he was approached this morning. The terms of the offer are very favourable and the engagement of Buckingham’s services is definite. Negotiations have been completed and he will leave for England in about three weeks’ time as soon as the necessary arrangements are made. All expenses are being borne by the Swinton Club and their terms include a substantial cash offer of a sum amounting to several hundred pounds. The Swinton League Club is one of the leading organisations in England and has held championship honours for two years. Buckingham’s decision will mean a great loss to Hamilton Rugby and his departure will be universally regretted, both on account of his popularity and playing ability. Negotiations were well conducted through an agent in Waikato. So far as is known no other players in the province have been approached to throw in their lot with the English League club.