Seilala champions case for reversal
FORMER Premiership player of the season Seilala Mapusua has backed Sir Bill Beaumont’s bid to alter World Rugby’s eligibility rules and wants the Pacific Islands to be at the forefront of any restructuring of the world game.
The likes of Fiji, Tonga and Samoa have been hit hard by players born in those countries attracted to the financial benefits of playing for tier one nations after qualifying on residency.
Should he be re-elected, World Rugby chairman Beaumont intends to review Regulation Eight “to see how we can support the longevity of players’ international careers.”
London Irish legend Mapusua is in favour of the proposed changes.
“I definitely think that the eligibility laws need to be looked at,” he said. “When a player born in the Pacific Islands, or who has Pacific heritage, is no longer playing for the likes of the All Blacks he should become eligible to play for Fiji, Samoa or Tonga after a period of time. And it should be the case for all tier two countries that players can go and play for them after a down period of not getting selected for a tier one country.
“We always talk about a lack of resources with regards the Pacific Islands and having a player like Charles Piutau available to play for Tonga would be a huge boost.
“He would bring a lot more than just playing ability, he’d contribute hugely off the field. The work he could do developing the Tongan national team would be priceless.
“The eligibility laws definitely need to be looked at.”
Mapusua remains one of the most influential overseas players to have appeared in the Premiership having spent five successful years with Irish.
It is unclear in what form the game will return following Covid-19, but Mapusua is adamant improving the Pacific Island nations should be at the forefront of World Rugby’s thinking.
He said: “I think this is a fantastic opportunity for World Rugby to do something positive to help push tier two nations forward.
“With rugby at a standstill it’s a great opportunity to look at the Test season and maybe create a global season.
“They need to find a way to provide more meaningful games for emerging nations such as the Pacific Islands and Georgia. They need to give them an opportunity to really grow and develop as a team. At the moment Fiji, Samoa and Tonga are only at their strongest every four years – they go absent for the years between World Cups.
“In the long run it would be great to see a Pacific side in Super Rugby and the Rugby Championship, but first they need Test matches against tier one nations on a regular basis.”