Is the way forward for Welsh Rugby to only pick players in Wales or is this a major step backwards for Wales?

Question

Is the way forward for Welsh Rugby to only pick players in Wales or is this a major step backwards for Wales?

Answer 1

Backward step. Where are these players going to be?

In all probability they are going to be just over the fence, not a "too Hard" problem for the selectors as it is in say, NZ who also have a home based players policy, but find their players moving 12,000 miles away.

The mighty dollar or pound will move a player faster than any red or black jersey.

Answer 2

Backwards.

Scotland tried it about six years ago and it proved to be a diaster

Answer 3

I think South Africa got away with it because there isn't the same ease of travel for them as there is for Welsh players to, say, France.  I also don't see how it's going to help Wales that much.

Answer 4

Backwards!!!!

If we're goning to start picking our team based on the fact that they play in Wales we're on a downward spiral straight away!!!!

Dwayne Peel will Improve by playing for Sale against a better quality of teams Week in ? week out !!!

Are we to stop picking a Quality 9 just because he's got to drive across the M4???

S.Jones became a better 10 by going to France,G.Thomas improved by his time in France!!!

S.Larkham of Australia is going to Japan but they'd be insane to adopt the same policy and refuse to pick him.

Answer 5

They tried this before resulting in several years of bad international rugby.(Remember the Joke: Italy were invited to the 5 nations so Wales could beat someone?).There are just not enough top teams to supply the Principality with world class players. They need the diversity that the rest of Europe offers.

Answer 6

Oh aye.........all good and well saying it, but within days there was a turnaround when Peel signed to go to Sale..........

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/rugby_un...

Alfie brought his experience to the Welsh team by playing for Toulouse and Stephen Jones was at his best when he played for Clermont.........so WTF this statement says is beyond me!

Answer 7

Possibly..but that has been the unnofficial policy for the last ten years anyway. Unless you were crucial to the team, or basically amazing..the coaches would rarely go travelling to see you.. or watch your dvd etc. You were basically out of sight out of mind..The magners is the best league in the northern hemispere....people who go and play inferior rugby.. in inferior leagues are basically copping out for the money anyway.

Answer 8

Major step backwards how can playing against the welsh regions each week make you world class?