RUGBY TOUR OFF.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1922, Page 4

RUGBY TOUR OFF.

FRENCHMEN NOT OOMINU NOT SUFFICIENT TIME. FINANCIAL LOSS INVOLVED. The proposed tour through New Zealand this coming winter of a French Rugby football team, which has been eagerly looked forward to, will not take place. Since the negotiation* were first opened several difficulties have occurred, but it was generally thought that these had been overcome. The cancellation of the tour is announced in the following Press Association cable received from London yesterday:— The French Rugby tour of Aus- . tralasia has been cancelled. There is much disappointment in Rugby circles in Paris at the cancellation, which is owing to New Zealand insisting dn a greater number of matches than the French are able to give. Many of the team «/e of army age and will be obliged to return by the middle of September. The gable message was referred to Mr. James McLeod, president of the N.Z.R.U., whose explanation may give a somewhat different construction to the portion of the cable which refers to New Zealand’s demands. He explained that the question of the date had delayed the negotiations for some time. The length of the Frenchmen’s tour was limited by what leave they could get from the army, and, according to the information received by the New Zealand Union, the team had to be back in France by October. It appeared that they would therefore have to leave New Zealand by the middle of August. Trouble had cropped up over thia point by reason of the fact that there was no suitable sailing date, the nearest departure of a steadier being about three weeks too early. This meant that the visitors would not be able to carry out anything like the programme of matches set down, which would affect the finances of the tour. The visit of the Springboks cost £lB,OOO, and the proposed tour would naturally involve a bigger amount, consequently the New Zealand Union could not afford to see( say eight or nine matches cut out. “I am sorry it has happened,” said Mr. McLeod (who indicated that the cable was the first he had hear£ of the cancellation), “but it would be ndiculoua to take it on facing a financial loss.” Mr. McLeod added that the New Zea** land Union had previously made counter-proposals regarding dates, but evidently these had been rejected. THE REPORT” CONFIRMED.

By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Confirmation of the report that the tour is abandoned has been received by the New Zealand Rugby Union. Mr. G. W. Slade (chairman) stated to-day that the excuse given by the French Federation was that the players wanted to be back in time for their championships. A meeting of the New Zealand Union will probably be held to consider the latest development. OTAGO URGES THE VISIT. Dunedin, Last Night. At a meeting of the Otago Rugby Union to-night, the following motion was unanimously carried: “That this meeting, being of opinion that it will be a great disappointment to the public of this Dominion if the visit of the French team’ does not eventuate, the management committee of the New Zealand Union be urged to spare no effort to ensure the visit of the team to New Zealand during the coming season. The Otago Union suggests that a minimum of ten matches be played, if necessary.”