Minnows' form fuels Super 14 expansion

[gustafsl]

Strict citizenship criteria is still too restrictive though, and AndyS' comment about young players coming through at S14 and ARC level is maybe more relevant. I don't know their personal situations but perhaps even blokes like "our own" Ratu Siganyavi, Kiti Fuluna or Sitaleki Timani would not be allowed to play for the Spirit.

I don't think players should be restricted where they play when it comes to Super 14, ARC etc...just international level. If all of Fiji's players want to go and play in New Zealand that is fine, but they should have to play for Fiji at international level. How are those teams supposed to get any better when all their top players end up on the Wallabies and All Blacks?

[shasta]

I don't think players should be restricted where they play when it comes to Super 14, ARC etc...just international level. If all of Fiji's players want to go and play in New Zealand that is fine, but they should have to play for Fiji at international level. How are those teams supposed to get any better when all their top players end up on the Wallabies and All Blacks?

Well now, that's a whole nother argument. It involves the ruling bodies changing eligibility rules and getting more control of player availability and a range of other issues.

[gustafsl]

Well now, that's a whole nother argument. It involves the ruling bodies changing eligibility rules and getting more control of player availability and a range of other issues.

Well step one would be getting the IRB to put in rules for the eligibility of international players. Not sure what the current rule is, but if needed it could be changed to only allowing players to play internationals for countries that they are a citizen or are eligible for citizenship.

Then step two would be for SANZAR to allow the Super 14 teams to use import players. It would still be wise to have only a limited number of imports per team but if they really want to see the game grow they should be encouraging teams to bring in players from so called "minnow" nations.

It's almost so easy that I can already picture all the ex pat Romanians and flocking to Subiaco to watch the Force's newest import player.

[AndyS]

Not sure what the current rule is, but if needed it could be changed to only allowing players to play internationals for countries that they are a citizen or are eligible for citizenship.

Done.

REGULATION 8. ELIGIBILITY TO PLAY FOR NATIONAL REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS
8.1 Subject to Regulation 8.2, a Player may only play for the senior fifteen-aside National Representative Team, the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team and the senior National Representative Sevens Team of the Union of the country in which:
(a) he was born; or
(b) one parent or grandparent was born; or
(c) he has completed thirty six consecutive months of Residence immediately preceding the time of playing.
8.2 A Player who has played for the senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the senior National Representative Sevens Team of a Union is not eligible to play for the senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the next senior fifteen-a-side National Representative Team or the senior National Representative Sevens Team of another Union.

Then step two would be for SANZAR to allow the Super 14 teams to use import players. It would still be wise to have only a limited number of imports per team but if they really want to see the game grow they should be encouraging teams to bring in players from so called "minnow" nations.

Also done, in that it is not SANZAR that blocks foreign players. NZ and SA both allow S14 teams to play foreigners, and that we don't is solely an ARU decision. For the moment I can understand it, at least until we get a complete schedule of professional rugby in place creating a significant player pool. Until then there is little benefit to the Wallabies if the four starting tighthead props in the S14 are all ineligible for the national side. More than anything though, I'd hate to see us trip down the club v country path that is prevalent in the NH. Using your example, what do you do coming into the S14 finals and Romania wants their player back for a RWC qualifier?

[Burgs]

So much for not bringing it up during the World Cup....sorry

[AndyS]

It's all good Burgs. Looking at some of the press coverage, everyone seems to be struggling for something to talk about between games. It is how the topic came up in the first place - a worldwide Super 20 competition with Japan, America, Canada etc?...FFS. Might as well roll in the Heineken cup teams too, as it would involve no more travelling than bits of the States and Canada. Awesome - a worldwide Super 35 with squads of 50 players to cover all the DVT.

[Jethro]

Can someone explain the import player rules to me?? How do guys like Tuquiri and half the New Zealand team end up playing for other countries when they are born in Pacific Islands?

Quick answer is don't believe the rubbish published by Stephen Jones et al. Did a bit of research on the first AB team playing the Lions last year. As opposed to what Jones was saying exactly two players were born overseas, the Rocket Man and I forget the other.

Both Australia and New Zealand have large Pac Island populations, in many cases third generation locals now. Naturally quite a few players are going to emerge from those communities as they are bloody good at the game.

Nothings going to change in S14 till 2010 at the earliest. Anyone seriously believe Australia can field five S14 teams, both NZ and SA are hard pressed as it is. Expanding the competition will weaken it, the S14 and TriNations are the money spinners for all involved, can't see them risking that besides hopefully injecting Los Pumas into a four Nation comp.

As to a worldwide S20 Comp .... aren't we forgetting about the IRB competitions funded in North America and South America.