All Blacks and Aussies threaten to boycott northern hemisphere

AUSTRALIA and New Zealand would consider scrapping future European tours if northern hemisphere unions continue to send under-strength teams Down Under for June Test matches.

Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill and his New Zealand counterpart Steve Tew plan to raise the prospect at a meeting of the leading rugby nations on November 11.

The two unions made the protest threat in the hope of enforcing the Woking conference agreement, which demands countries select their strongest available team.