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The New Zealand Railways Magazine, Volume 11, Issue 3 (June 1, 1936)

[section]

At one time New Zealanders were looked upon as the best players of Rugby football in the world. There is sufficient proof, however in the experiences of teams visiting Great Britain and Ireland, South Africa and Australia, that this much-prized reputation is no longer upheld by results. Be that as it may, New Zealanders can rejoice in the knowledge that wherever their Rugby players have played they have left behind a fine reputation as sportsmen. Surely such a reputation is better than a mere “best players recognition? And with the gradual acquisition of Rugby knowledge among Continental, American and Japanese people there is every reason to believe that the oval ball code will eventually reach the universally high standard enjoyed by Association football. When that day comes—and the dawn of it is near—New Zealand will not have many seasons in which international tours do not figure as regular fixtures.

One impressive feature about the growth of Rugby is the manner and enthusiasm in which it has been adopted on the Continent. In France, unfortunately, the zeal of the players led to an abandonment of Rugby relations between France and England, but in Sweden a totally different state of affairs exists. In that country a “Rugby school” has been in existence for three seasons! An English paper states: —

“Sweden's Rugby school, which has just entered its fourth year and was founded in order to inculcate the principles and spirit of the game, and to teach its rules to aspirants, has given such satisfactory results that a move is being made in France to establish a similar institution. Most of the instructors in the Swedish school are Britons, and they carry out interesting courses of practical and theoretical teaching. At present only the national federation's school is authorised to examine intending players and certify them as suitable, but next season certain clubs may be authorised to establish schools.”

It reads strange to New Zealanders that intending players have to pass an examination, particularly as New Zealanders are born to Rugby football, but the ultimate high standard that must be attained by a thorough practical and theoretical knowledge will surely prove the project to be worth while.