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SYDNEY clubs have lobbied the ARU and RUPA to intervene over the Brumbies and Western Force's decision to make their squad members play in local ACT and WA rugby, saying it is a "restriction of trade''.
The controversial edicts are the hottest talking points in club-land this year, with many top clubs - and the players affected - far from happy.
Instead of returning to Shute Shield clubs during the June Test window - and after Super Rugby finishes in August - Brumbies and Force stars such as Dan Palmer (Souths), Brett Sheehan (Warringah) and Matt Toomua (Easts) will have to find local clubs.
"It's a concern to us,'' NSW Rugby executive director Bruce Worboys said. "A guy like Ben Hand has played his whole life with Eastwood, since he six. Now he has to change clubs.''
Asked about the local club edict, Wallabies coach Robbie Deans said this week he was okay with it because it would force players to become leaders.
But Worboys hopes the reality of ACT and Perth club rugby's quality will ultimately see the decision reversed.
"It's happened in the past and they find the standard is not good enough to go get someone and throw them into Super Rugby.
"You want a player ready for Super Rugby, you don't find him in Jindabyne or ..... "
Worboys said Force and Brumbies players should have non-playing connections to local clubs and still return to Shute Shield. Rebels players will be free to return to Sydney University. Oh, and other clubs as well.
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http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/spo...-1226279892777