1937-09-22 — Page 21

THE CHINA MAIL, SEPTEMBER 22, 1937.

WARNING TO SCOTTISH RUGBY AUTHORITIES

T

LEAGUE OFFERS TEMPTING TO BEST AMATEURS

(By PLEGAN)

GLASGOW, AUGUST 21. THE PASSING OF G. L. GRAY, THE SCOTLAND AND GALA “HOOKER”. FROM AMATEUR SCOTTISH RUGBY TO PRO- FESSIONALISM IS A HAPPENING RATHER HEAVILY LADEN IN PORTENTS. EVERYONE WILL WISH GRAY ALL THAT HE WISHES HIMSELF IN HIS NEW SPHERE. TO TRANSFER FROM NON-PAID RANKS TO THE VERY HONOURABLE ONES OF THOSE WHO RECEIVE WAGES FOR THEIR PLAY IS NOTHING IN ITSELF. BOTH CODES ARE GRAND ONES.

And a finer set of men than the professional Rugby players would be hard to find.. I know, because I once belonged to a Rugby And League club, although my connection was an honorary one. in the ranks of that same club was a noted old Scottish Rugby in- ternationalist, W. B. Welsh, of Hawick

What makes us put on our, thinking caps is the danger that lies in professional ranks tempt- ing our outstanding players away. Scottish Rugby has shown itself weak enough in all con- science sake during the last few seasons. We are coming to a period. in which there will be a

■

that

most stern struggle to- re For this reason, professional establish ourselves international-agents are likely to be more dan- ly as a Rugby pewer. We cannot gerous than ever to Scottish Rugby. afford to have the Rugby League Over the Border, they go about taking away any of our men, their ventures openly. They do not whether they be past, present, or meet with the opposition

• potential "caps."

awaits them in Scotland. Therefore, Last year, I spent some time in we must expect the professional re- Rugby League territory. There I presentatives to use subtle methods saw the danger signal for Scottish in approaching players. And the aware that man who works under a smoke Rugby. I was made professional eyes were turned upon screen is harder to defeat than the the players in our country. I wrote one who labours in the open. about this on my return to Scotland.

AN ATTACK” COMING

I

THE MEN ARE THERE

Officials know-you - know; During the debacles that have know that more and more Scottish come our way in recent winters, players have been buttonholed by have said over and over again that professional agents in recent years. we have the men to carry Scotland Some of them have flirted too much to victory after victory. It is the with the paid proposals, without, entertaining blending of our teams that is perhaps, seriously

them. But they have been sentenced wrong. Therefore, selection errors. And that is what the Rugby League for their temerity. They have dis- appeared quietly from Scottish officials see.

The men who administer the af-Rugby circles. Only they and cer- fairs of the Rugby League and its tain officials know why.

If we had the television power of clubs are far more farsighted than our authorities. This is not surpris-seeing into the homes and hearts. ing in view of the fact that it is of all Scottish Rugby players, wel their life's work, whereas our offi-would be surprised, I fancy, by the cials are merely volunteers indulg-the number of them who have been the victim of hints from profes- ing in a hobby.

Happenings lead one to believesional circles. Even when they have that some of our officials do not spurned them immediately, they know a good Bugby player when are, bound to have their effect. It is upsetting for a man to be put in they see him. One cannot help.

a position, which his authorities thinking that they cannot sense the potentialities latent in a performer.would not like, through no fault of his own. It is more than possible The Rugby League selectors and scouts are in an entirely different that the worry of it will affect

this play. position. They are experts in their jobs to their finger tips. If they

up fail, out they go. They are, from this point of view, in a business not

game.

THE BIG DANGER It is in this direction that danger lies for Scottish Rugby. The paid officials have been showing a cer- tain unrest about the material ob-

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condemning it.

WHAT OF THE SKIISH things into secount, when they are

WALKER CUP ? +

(Contin

BEAT INTERNATIONALS In closing, might 1 draw atten to the fact that J. B. Stevenson the Western District Aliance ing at Dundorrald this of two rounds of 12 compiled in fourball a gale and, driving, all sorts the "wajority

This is a warning. Scottish Rugby is going to be severely “attacked” by professional agents. These men are better equipped for nosing out a good player than our own ama teur officials are. And, what is more, they think more of Scottish Rugby boy coming from the North personalities and play than we do. Scotland. He gets into

games and gets to of other leds an never have done when he ca if he contiunes. golf, what

tainable from England and Wales FORMER ARSENAL PLAYER

I know that they regard Scotland

FOR EVERTON

profession amateurs, out

day, and I

a drive of

meet

Hen

leading

many good him on that

ardly ever hit in spite of

the fact that his first club, was one reeted borrowed when he arrived on the Lowland tee and discovered, he had left his

ou own at home. phys Boyz

as the likely recruiting ground of the near future. It is not that they think Scotsmen will be easier to Everton have signed Peter Dou to say Sand persuade than Englishmen or gall, the former Arsenal Scottish warmly by English Welshmen. They believe that they inside forward. Dougall, who is 5ft Scots with Hello,

And that, gentleman, is the player et more value for their money 8 ins and 11 st 3 lb, formerly play-haven't seen you

whom I defended not so very long ottish circles. They are also ed for Southampton and Racing

That is a purely.1

ase, ago when I was told by someone hey may have greater Club de Paris. He deputised in the

ality. I who ought to have known better. getting Scots to sign on Arsenal eleven at inside left for but it has happened i

ritics cannot think that the Alex James.

of that “Stevenson is no golfer and the Boys Championship take these will never be a golfer,"

diffien