Dawson case proves pro allegations are a joke

MARTIN Dawson has proved the theory that Hong Kong rugby is offering big money to attract players from overseas is bunkum. The flying winger from Football Club is set to return to England on Thursday after having failed to secure a job.

'I cannot afford to stay in Hong Kong,' explained Dawson, when asked the reason for his departure. A physical education teacher, Dawson has only been in Hong Kong for three months.

He had landed a job at a gymnasium, but 'the money was hardly enough to pay my rent'. So he has packed his bags and is returning to England. So much for the tales circulating in some circles that Hong Kong was offering big money and jobs for top-quality players. A few ill-informed punters had charged the territory's national coach George Simpkin of doing exactly that.

What Simpkin has done is when players approached him - as did Fijian Moape Ravuvu - he has said he would try to get a club to take them on and ask the club to arrange a job and accommodation. Most of the territory's top players were lured to Hong Kong by the financial and rugby opportunities available.

But they were told that it would be up to them to try and give it a go. All that Simpkin has done is point the way. The Isi Tu'ivais, the Rodney McIntoshs et al are fortunate to have got steady jobs and joined clubs which have been supportive by first providing accommodation.

Dawson came on his own accord to Hong Kong. He caught the eye immediately with his turn of speed - he was probably the fastest player in Hong Kong - his vision and intelligent play. Football Club captain Roger Patterson dubbed him their 'Jonah Lomu'. Perhaps an unfair description as Dawson has shown he is more than capable in defence. Last Saturday against Valley Black, he was outstanding in defence. Ask Vaughan Going (who he caught in a chase after conceding a start) and Mark Solomon (who was stopped head on). Football Club's main attraction are the facilities they have to offer. They don't go out of their way to try and find their players jobs. Most of the players who join Club already hold down good jobs.