page break

Varsity to Field fight Rugby Teams This Season

With the puling at the annual meeting of the Wellington Rugby Union, of a resolution reconstituting the senior competition on the same lines as in 1939, namely 12 teams, the University 1st XV reverted to its pre-war status. For the Club this reconstitution is indeed timely as many former players have returned from overseas and there is every indication that the "boys in green," when they take the field this year will hold their own with the best in the senior competion. Club stalwarts are hopeful of seeing the several wooden spoons, collected during the war years, replaced this season by the respective competition cups.

As was pointed out by Mr. J. H. Parker, senior coach, at the successful annual meeting of the Club, University was probably more affected by the war than any other Wellington Club, since practically all of its players fell within the overseas military age groups. The tide now turns, however, and with over 150 students having already notified their intention to play regularly, and with more likely to turn up shortly, there is every reason for optimism.

Probably eight teams (as compared with last year's five) will be fielded, in the senior A and B, Junior A and B, Third A, B, and C and the Fourth grade competitions, respectively. The latter entry, Fourth, has become possible through the raising of the age limit to 18 years 6 months as at 1st April, 1948. An appeal to play for this team is made to all younger students who may have decided not to play this year owing to the previous necessity to compete in the higher grades.

The first general club practice excellently attended, was recently held in the College gymnasium, where similar practices will be held during the next few weeks on Wednesday evenings commencing at 8.5 p.m. Actual inter-team game practices on Prince of Wales Park will be held on Saturday afternoons. April 6 and 13, prior to the commencement of Wellington Rugby Union Competitions.

The Carterton trip on Easter Saturday, as detailed on notice boards, promises well.

Enthusiasm and keenness has pervaded all aspects of Club activities to date this year. This must continue. Regular practices by every member of every team will prove the secret of the Club's success or otherwise in the 1946 season.