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We are continuing to lose top players from both sides of the Tasman to European Rugby.
The reasons cited are always huge money and then lifestyle.
We continue to hear that Australian players are being paid too much.
Well, seems simple to me, we can go on pretending we have a competitive product with Super 14 and slowly dwindle into a second rate regional curiosity or the leaders of SANZAR can get busy and promote the product and start making us competitive with the European version!
It may mean some short term pain, it may mean some radical thought, but if things don't change and the exodus of the Southern Hemispheres best continues at the current rate all we will have left will be a European development comp made up of Colts and second rate hacks!
You could argue that a couple of teams already resemble that comment in 2007.
Hayman to dump All Blacks
April 18, 2007
CARL Hayman, widely regarded as the world's best prop, is to join a growing New Zealand All Blacks exodus to the northern hemisphere rugby after this year's World Cup.
The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) admitted today it was getting tougher to hold off European raids on its leading players as 27-year-old Hayman announced he will link with English club Newcastle Falcons.
A veteran of 35 Tests, Hayman will join fellow All Blacks Aaron Mauger and Byron Kelleher in moving to Europe with Chris Jack, Rico Gear, Anton Oliver and Luke McAlister also poised to move overseas after the World Cup.
"His services will be sorely missed," said NZRU deputy chief executive Steve Tew.
"We put the very best possible offer in front of Carl and we are grateful that he gave it serious consideration.
"In the end, he had to consider a number of factors in making his decision.
"The incredible amounts of money on offer in the UK and France are making it increasingly difficult for the NZRU to compete on straight dollar terms despite tremendous commercial support from our partners."
All Blacks coach Graham Henry said Hayman's decision was also influenced by longevity and lifestyle factors.
"I think Carl would like to get out of the international spotlight for a while and sees this move as the best way to extend his time in the game," Henry said.
AAP