In an effort to stay competitive, coach Scott Robertson stated on Sunday that he will request that New Zealand Rugby executives allow players who are located abroad to play for the All Blacks.
According to Robertson, the world champion Springboks have profited from an open policy that let players to accept high-paying contracts with overseas clubs while maintaining their eligibility for Test selection.
To stop players from leaving and undermining local tournaments, New Zealand has prohibited players who are not contracted domestically from being selected for the national team.
Soon after he gets back home, Robertson, who finished his first year as All Blacks coach with a 29–11 victory against Italy on Saturday, will suggest a change to the New Zealand Rugby board. with South Africa’s trailblazers.
In a Zoom call with New Zealand reporters, Robertson stated, “We don’t want to be a cycle behind or a couple of years behind.”
Rugby as a profession is constantly changing. Let’s see what happens next and maintain an open mind. Of course, I’ll be giving a presentation.
Using South Africa as an example, they have a terrific balance since they have the chance to deploy a lot of seasoned players who are cared for and managed well into their 30s.
“And they can have two really good fifteens; they have large squads.”
Robertson stated that he would advocate for a targeted eligibility criteria, but he was hesitant to maintain the power of New Zealand’s national provincial championships and Super Rugby.
Because of his 56 Test caps, fly-half Richie Mo’unga, who is based in Japan, may become eligible, but other players with less experience would not.
A maximum of three foreign players may be chosen by Rugby Australia to play for the Wallabies, but only if they have participated in at least 30 Test matches or have agreed to play for an Australian team the following season.
According to Robertson, stakeholders would need to work out New Zealand’s legislation.
“What’s best for our entire game? How can we design it so that the top players, the finest contests, and the best All Black team continue to be available?
“There is a path for them; you could look at the guys who have been very loyal to us.”
Robertson, the former coach of the Crusaders, expressed his satisfaction with his season-long record of 10 victories and 4 losses.
He noted that all of the defeats, including the two Rugby Championship Test matches in South Africa, were close contests.
“We could have won each of those. You gain knowledge of how to manage a game, your responsibilities, and how to position a team to win a Test match,” he said.
“We’ve played some amazing 45-, 50-, and 60-minute halves. We simply haven’t always been done.
