The introduction of sabatticals to ABs contracts - a sign the NZRFU are finally thinking rugby is profesional?

Question

The introduction of sabatticals to ABs contracts - a sign the NZRFU are finally thinking rugby is profesional?

Answer 1

nobody is going to like this but...... its time to scrap either the NPC or at least taking the NPC back to amateur.

The super 14 will stay.  Its the biggest earner and the highest level of rugby that isnt the all blacks.  On the NZRU video podcast, Steve Tew said that they will never reverse their decision on recruiting overseas players.  If both of these are true, we will have no choice.

Thats assuming pay rates are the only reason the All Blacks are leaving of course.  What I think the real problem is, is that the New Zealand public (i'm a kiwi so i can say this) are AWFUL at supporting their team.  Worst in the world. As soon as the ABs lose a game, they criticise everyone involved with the organisation.

I went to the ABs versus Irish game and what i saw there made my blood boil. New Zealanders, with kiwi accents, dressed in green and booing the all blacks!!! Support your team! This is like bitching about the government then voting for them again!!

Why would a kiwi player stay here to get slandered by the people he is playing for?

Answer 2

I think it's a good idea. They should of changed that rule years ago. A player should be able to go overseas an play rugby to help them set  up their life financially coz NZRFU just cant pay them enuf. I think its time to bite the bullet an start picking overseas based Kiwi players to play for the All Blacks provididnt that they are in form....

Answer 3

Yes, about time too. Perhaps we'll have an answer to some of our selection issues if players become eligible for selection from overseas.

Answer 4

I think that is unfair on the NZRFU. Yes, it probably does mean they are bowing to the pressure and something like this is inevitable.

But look at it from the NZRFU perspective. They are not only responsible for the ABs. They also have 2 other local competitions, 5 Super francises, and 26 provincial unions to answer to.

Think about Brazil in the round ball game. Sure, they produce the best players - but how do Brazillian fans ever see them, and who gives a monkeys about Brazillian local football. Their local soccer leagues are poor and corruption riddled.

The NZRFU simply cannot compete financially to keep top players in NZ. The only thing they have if they are to maintain a reasonable skill base (and interest) in local rugby is the opportunity to play for the All Blacks. Once playing in NZ is not a requirement, the current player drain will look like a trickle.

Then it might easily become like league (or soccer) where getting a national team on the park is a case of begging foreign clubs; and local teams are 3rd rate at best.

Answer 5

Well it's certainly a common sense approach.   I also think that it wont be too long before the NZRFU make it permissable for overseas players to be selected for test matches.    South Africa have opened this door and right now that puts them one step ahead of NZ.

Answer 6

It had to happen.  They are starting to the younger players (Luke McAlister) which eventually could mean that whole generations of players could be denied the opportunity of playing for the AB's or at least fulfilling their full potential as an AB.