THE BRITISH RUGBY TOUR.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 2227, 26 June 1908, Page 3

THE BRITISH RUGBY TOUR.

A PLAYER SUSPENDED. ALLEGED PROFESSION ALISAI. United Press Association. Copyright LONDON, .Juno 24. The Rugby Union .committee, after enquiry into allegations as to professionalism, decided to suspend F. Jackson from further participation in -the tour, and to recall him by cable. [Press Association.] WELLINGTON, June 26. Seen by a “Post” representative regarding the suspension of Jackson, both Harnett (the manager) and Harding (the captain), stated that tliev.'had no knowledge of the allegations made, but that the direction of tlio English Union would be followed. Jackson will not play .in any of the remaining matches of the tour.

[Spec-iai, to “Times.”] WELLINGTON; June 25. Tho recall of Jackson by; the English Rugby Union came as a great surprise to the , Anglo-Welsh team. This morning'Air. Harnett, manager of tho team, received a cablegram from the Union secretary asking that Jackson should return to England. He will accordingly leave to-morrow for Sydney and proceed Home via Vancouver. His withdrawal will be rather a severe loss to the team, with whom he was very popular. In an- interview I had with Air. Jackson this afternoon he expressed himself as very pleased with the kindness and hospitality he -and all the other members of the team had received in New Zealand. He stated that they had particularly enjoyed their trip to the West Cioast and through the Otira Gorge. On the subject of his disqualification he preferred to say nothing. At present there was, he said, no compulsion on him to return at once, but in the interests of the team he had decided to acquiesce in the decision that had been arrived at. AVJien he reached England he would have something to say.

Both Mr. Harnett (the manager) and Mr. Harding (the captain) have nothing to say on the subject. They have no knowledge of the circumstances that led up to Mr. Jackson’s disqualification. It is understood, however, tli it there was s°me enquiry as to his amateur status before the team left England, and it was understood the enquiry resulted satisfactorily.