Savea calls on NZ to update eligibility rules
All Blacks forward Ardie Savea has called on New Zealand’s rugby authorities to consider updating the country’s eligibility rules or risk being left behind as the sport continues to evolve.
Savea is unavailable for selection by new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson after leaving New Zealand in December to take up a lucrative contract with the Kobe Steelers in the Japan Rugby League One.
But World Rugby’s reigning Player of the Year wants New Zealand Rugby to reconsider the rule that allows only domestic-based players to be selected for the All Blacks.
“Times are changing,” Savea told New Zealand media. “Things are moving fast.
“What worked maybe five, 10, 15 years ago can’t work now. We’ve just got to be innovative and smart around what we’re doing.
“The country that’s proven that it works, that it helps, is SA. The majority of their team play [offshore]. They come together and win the World Cup.
“I don’t think it’s going to change drastically, but I think something needs to evolve and grow.”
Many of the Springbok squad that won the second of back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles in France last year play overseas, with Savea in Japan joined by the likes of Faf de Klerk, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cheslin Kolbe.
Savea is not the only highprofile New Zealander to have moved away from home, with Brodie Retallick and Richie
Mo’unga among those contracted to Japan Rugby League One clubs.
Other nations have similar eligibility rules to those in place in New Zealand, but Savea says he believes the experience gained due to the growing internationalisation of the club game, is improving him as a player.
“That’s the best thing about being out of New Zealand I’m playing against guys from SA, Pacific Island boys from Tonga, Samoa the Japanese brothers, Aussie brothers.
“I’m playing against a variety of players, different styles, which has been refreshing and awesome. In New Zealand, you’re just playing against the New Zealand and Aussie teams.