INTERNATIONAL BOARD

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1035, 28 July 1930, Page 14

INTERNATIONAL BOARD

DOMINION’S CLAIMS TO REPRESENTATION CONFORMING TO RULES Mr. James Baxter, manager of the British Rugby team, who spoke in the early part of the programme at Saturday’s dinner to the British and New Zealand teams, made interesting reference to New Zealand’s claims te admission to the International Rugby Board. In tho administration of Rugbj’, ho said, tho primary consideration should bo the players rather than the spectators. That was the view of the International Board, which held that the gam© as they had seen it played that afternoon was a good enough game for them to play. He recognised the justice of New Zealand’s claims to a voice in the control of the game, and hoped soon to see that claim recognised. Before that could happen, however, New Zealand would have to conform to the International Boards rules. “I understand that you in Auckland have been faced with difficulties, and that there has been certain opposition,” said Mr. Baxter. ‘‘l think you are wrong, however, in requiring special privileges in regard to rules to combat this competition. After all, Rugby is a game for the players. If our game as it was played today is not a fit and proper game for men and boys to play, do not worry. Let them play some other'game if they feel inclined. It is the man who plays the game that counts, and if he enjoys playing it there is nothing wrong.”