NZ Rugby shuts door on overseas players, only Super Rugby will do
New Zealand Rugby’s decision to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Japan Rugby Football Union won’t result in overseas-based test players being welcomed back into the All Blacks. Despite NZ Rugby entering a deal with the JRFU that, among other things, will result in more games being played between the All Blacks, All Blacks XV and M ori All Blacks and Japan’s Brave Blossoms and Japan XV between 2024 and 2027, the door will remain firmly shut on offshore Kiwis wanting to represent the All Blacks. NZ Rugby CEO Mark Robinson said his organisation had no appetite to follow the likes of South Africa and Australia, who allow players from outside their domestic competitions to represent the Springboks and Wallabies. “There is no consideration to changing that policy, as we sit right now,’’ Robinson said.
“As you would be aware, from time to time there is a discussion with the (NZ Rugby) board about the eligibility law but there is nothing imminent around a change to that.
“And certainly that is not something that will be altered because of this partnership. It is very much the status quo position on that.’’
Japanese market
NZ Rugby’s hard-line stance means incoming All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, who late last month said it was important to keep an open mind on the issue, won’t be able to call upon Japanbasedplayers such as Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Beauden Barrett and Brodie Retallick when he starts in the role next year.
The four All Blacks have inked contracts with Japanese clubs, and will join them after the World Cup in France; the most significant signing was arguably that of All Blacks and Crusaders first five-eighth Mo’unga, who will join the Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo on a three-year deal next year. The Japanese market continues to cast a big shadow over New Zealand as top players and coaches leave to earn significant pay increases by playing offshore.