A report in the UK’s North West Evening Mail says that a full British Amateur Rugby League inter-national set for Craven Park next month has been scrapped because the Australian Aboriginals have called off their tour at short notice.
The tourists had also been scheduled to play a Cumbria team, containing several Barrow and District ARL players, at Workington on October 17 — four days before the game at Barrow.
Terry Barker, secretary of the Barrow and district ARL, says they are disappointed by the late cancellation.
He states: “We were assured by BARLA that the tour had gone through the Australian Rugby League as an approved tour.
“The league has put a lot of hard work organising a civic reception, booking of hotels and nights at different venues. Also we have had a very good relationship with Barrow RL, who pulled out all the stops to assist us.
“It is also a big disappointment to BARLA, with losing two internationals, and three county matches, with some big sponsorships, Hull alone had a £10,000 sponsor.
“I would like to apologise to Chequers Hotel, Barrow rugby and the town hall, and all the workers behind the scene who worked hard planning a successful tour.”
“The tour failed with a major sponsor in Australia pulling out, leaving them with no money for the airfare.”
“There is a big enquiry going on in Australia at the moment, but I do not envisage any future Aboriginal tours.”
Report by The Mole
