We must grow our own, not develop imports –Thorburn

Radical changes to rules govering the use of imported players at club and country level were last night proposed by an ex-Wales captain who claimed World Rugby had ‘sold its soul’ over the issue.

Former full-back Paul Thorburn has called for just five overseas players to be allowed in match-day squads of 23 in European club competitions, saying the other 18 should be eligible for the home country.

And the ex-Neath No.15 wants the residency qualification on the international circuit hiked to 10 years from the current three, though it is currently under review by the sport’s authorities.

Thorburn says he no longer enjoys European rugby because of the ability of some cash-rich clubs to buy success.

He said: “I don’t think it’s unreasonable to suggest 18 out of 23 players should hail from the country where the club, region or province is based.

“I’m not suggesting we get rid of all the imports. A sprinkling can add spice and quality to a competition.

“But the emphasis should be on developing the strength of northern hemisphere rugby, not on throwing money at imports.”

Thorburn continued: “The way things are is definitely affecting French rugby.

“During the 1970s and 1980s France were a magnificent side. They had a team to beat the best in Europe and for many of those years, especially in the 1980s, they were the yardstick. The rest of us were concerned with who would finish second until England started to strengthen in the 1990s.

“But in recent years the French have been mediocre and I would contend that’s largely because their club game has been diluted by so many non-French players.

“I don’t enjoy European rugby any more. It isn’t a level playing field.”

Nor is Thorburn particularly impressed by residence laws that allow players to qualify for a country’s national team after just three years of living there.

World Rugby are said to be reviewing the rules, but in the meantime countries continue to cap players who haven’t long pitched up in their lands.

According to Thorburn, the authorities should extend the residence period to 10 years.

“The current rules are a joke,” said the ex-Neath full-back.

“For me, you are either Welsh or not, you are either French or not, you are either English or not. You shouldn’t be able to pick and choose who you can play for. “World Rugby has sold its soul. “We have seen players come to Europe for the money, serve a quick residence and then play for countries they are not qualified for by birth or blood. Nathan Hughes, the Fijian who plays for England, acknowledged the importance of money when he made his decision not to play for his native land. “That doesn’t sit easily with me. “When he was at home in Fiji as a little boy was he cheering for England when they were playing rugby? Or was he cheering for Fiji?

“There are plenty of others who could be asked similar questions.”

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