10 SEPTEMBER 1965, Page 10

. . . and Rugby

The sad truth that this is not a problem for those directly involved is underlined by a report in. Tuesday's Guardian on reactions in New Zealand to Dr. Verwoerd's rejection of Maori players being included in the team to tour South Africa in 1967.

it was all the more unwelcome since the • touring Springboks have made a point of fraternising both with Maori Rugby players and with the Maori people. The South African • Rugby Board and the New Zealand ' Rugby Union had seemed to have reached a quiet accord that they would work for a tour by a fully representative New Zealand team.

Those who play, watch and love sport get on well enough together. It is the politicians who snarl things up. We should not help them.