How much was the standard of rugby raised in the UK because of the Southern Hemisphere guys playing over there

Question

Lets say the last 10 - 15 years.

Answer 1

its more competitive now and the level has raised,but we learn of the Europeans too,like we can get all flash harry and that but its the basics that win the game and we sometimes take a leaf from the Europeans with heir competitive forward play and staunchness in the front row.and sometimes this brings us[kiwis] back down to earth.

Answer 2

Some Kiwis look at teams like Cardiff Blues and  The Ospreys and read the press and instantly feel proud..but the fact of the matter is the kiwi players are being used as a political football for the English murdoch run media to beat up the concept and succesess of Regional rugby....which the clubs and broadcasters in England do not want. Ospreys and Cardiff barely have four kiwies each...out of squads of 35 players, the london media though would love to put the success of these regions down to these players//as to not give credit to the advances of regional or magners (non murdoch & sky tv) rugby.

Answer 3

In League

the levels where raised initially but the English kids where not getting a chance and that effected the national team

short term it can have great benefits as long as teams of either code don't become over reliant on antipodeans and use the great players to help develop there own home grown talant

Answer 4

lets just say aLOT!! guys like  felipe contepomi and others have totally raised the standard!! ( i know felipe plays for leinster but hes just an example!!) what do you think??

Answer 5

Enormously!!!!!!!! When the likes of Pienaar and Stransky came to play In England their clubs were boosted enormously. I am not one for Southern Hemisphere dominance, let's not forget that the two other big SHem, teams were knocked out by England and France in  the WCup  (hee hee hee, evil laugh) but I do reckon the interaction of Southern Hemisphere players in the UK and also France has contirbuted a lot to the levelling of the game.

PS. Traaaaaaaaansvaaaaaaaaaaaaal! Go Lions!!!!!!!!!