‘So wrong’ – Henson hit out at Wales picks
WELSH rugby icon Gavin Henson has voiced his displeasure at New Zealand-born duo Johnny McNicholl and Willis Halaholo being selected for Wales.
The wing and centre were two of five uncapped players to be named in Wayne Pivac’s 35-man squad to face the Barbarians later this month in an uncapped fixture.
McNicholl and Halaholo have both become eligible to play for Wales on residency grounds, having been in the country for three years.
But, in a short tweet, Henson, who played 33 times for Wales, revealed his verdict.
“This is so wrong,” he posted on his official Twitter account, accompanied by a screengrab of BBC Wales’ story carrying the headline: ‘New Wales coach picks McNicholl and Halaholo in first squad.’
The issue of selecting foreign players who have become eligible on residency grounds is a polarising one that evokes strong opinions.
In 2017, World Rugby voted to extend the eligibility period from three to five years, which comes into effect at the end of 2020.
The selection of players born in a different country is nothing new and many teams around the world take advantage of the residency rule.
It was a topic discussed on this week’s WalesOnline Welsh Rugby Podcast.
“I would like to see a situation whereby if you’re Welsh, you play for Wales and if you’re Fijian, you play for Fiji, not for New Zealand, Australia or England,” said Western Mail rugby correspondent Andy Howell.
“That being said, the rules are the rules. The eligibility criteria has actually been changed by World Rugby going forward.
“But these boys have already qualified - why not pick them?
“Australia’s team is full of overseas players, New Zealand still have some, England have got some. Why not?
“Hadleigh Parkes has been a roaring success for Wales. If everyone else is picking overseas players, why not pick them?”
Welsh scrum-half Rhys Webb, who is currently ineligible for Wales under the current selection policy, posted his support for Halaholo and pointed out: “Great to see a lot of new faces in the mix who have been putting their hand up week in week out (at) their regions. Enjoy every minute.”