What can be done to halt Kiwi Rugby talent to Europe? Surely local talent deserve a chance first?

Question

What can be done to halt Kiwi Rugby talent to Europe? Surely local talent deserve a chance first?

Answer 1

We now have no choice but to start selecting players involved in the heineken Cup for the AB's. The theory of not doing so to protect those in NZ is not relevant anymore, as even developing players will go. If not, they will play 1 yr with the AB's then attract a better overseas offer and head off. The AB jersey will suffer no more if we change the laws to play overseas based players. In fact, in may bring back a bit of pride.

Answer 2

Rugby is a professional game. Teams are expected by supporters, ruling bodies and sponsors to win at any cost and if it ment bringing top players from overseas,to replace locals , then so be it. In an age where winning now ,at club level, is more important than winning later it is not surprising that rugby scouts from the European comp. are heading down south for top players. I think in the long run it'll hurt the northern hemisphere more as they'll not have enough new blooded talents coming through for thier respective national teams. As for Aotearoa they'll not run out of top players as the rugby programs are pretty much encouraged at all levels from primary school to club and the super comp.

Answer 3

Think about it this way, if New Zealand's good players go overseas, there's more chances for younger players here. Those European countries will just get worse if their clubs keep relying on New Zealanders (Xavier Rush, Kees Meeuws, Rico Gear, just to name a few)

Answer 4

Look at it this way bringing in nz talent means, Europeans have to compete against the best therefore they will get better. As we see now northern hemisphere teams are nearly as good as southern hemisphere teams and this if because of all the nz players etc playing and coaching over in the northern hemisphere. But yea this causes some of the weaker players to not play but really they should find another game that suits them better. if you don't want nz player don't recruit them.

Answer 5

Europe is where the really big bucks are.  Until there is a social shift (which quiet frankly I hope does not occur), to that of more the American where sports people are paid astronomical sums, then there will continue to be a talent drane.

The only saving grace is that social drive to grow up to play for a national team in the southern nations of New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.

Answer 6

In reality, there's not a lot to be done. There is so much depth in Kiwi rugby at the moment that players who can't play in their preferred positions, such as Luke Mccalister, are always going to be lured by the prospect of lucrative overseas deals. Anywhere else in the world, he would be the number one first five. Just not here. Which is unfortunate, but at the same time it's a good thing. And, in reality, are we going to miss him? There are several other young men who are just as able coming through the rugby ranks. Surely, the departure of Kiwi rugby talent to Europe should be seen as a chance to change, air out the teams, as it were. Right now, it's nothing to worry about

Answer 7

NOTHING.  New Zealand do not have the money and never will.  Europe might get the "old has beens" but there is nothing wrong with their rugby brains.  Anyway, the way NZ rugby treated Robbie Deans speaks for itself.  I think the All Blacks might be waiting another 4 years comes 2011 RWC

Answer 8

It's not just Kiwi's in Europe.  There are tons of South Africans, Australians, Pacific Islanders, Argentinians plus Americans, Japanese and Canadians as well.... and more!

Being a NZ'er I don't really mind the players going from NZ, as long as WE don't start importing thousands of players from overseas!  

What can be done?  Not much.  All players deserve to make a living while they can so you can't blame the players.  All clubs are doing their best to win the championship and generate revenue however they can, so you can't blame them.  The home nations have pretty much painted themselves into a corner by giving so much control to the clubs.  

The only way to fix it would be with the home unions bringing in restrictions on foreign or non-European players per team.  I don't know if they have this ability but I'd say it would be viewed as an unpopular move by the clubs and could start a whole new war in other area's like whether players are released for Internationals.  

Who know's... but being a proud Kiwi... I say KEEP IT UP EUROPE!!!

Answer 9

\drop the salary caps so players from other countrys wont want to come to europe

Answer 10

nothing can be done ,players  have to take their oppertunity's

while they can ,it's not every player that can be a all black,and whats more important in what could be a short career,making a good living for your family or living in hope that you may

play for the all blacks.Take the oppertunity while you can i say

and you can always come back to nz .

                                                   yours scotty

Answer 11

good answers from all. what about this for thought?

Sack the Super 14!!   Put the money back into our clubs, send the top players (NZ) back to play for their clubs, more people would go back and watch.  Heartland rugby will return, boost club revenues, provincial revenues and so on. NZRFU are so worried about making the game 'global', they're actually taking the game of NZ away from us! Let some one else make it global. if I may use this as an example, THE STATE OF ORIGIN.. 100% ozzie, no outsiders! it had humble beginnings but has grown to be one of the biggest specticles in world league!  Ozzies created their own success, all the 'stars' want to stay and play in their own comp, could we not do the same with the game we love? this may not stop the player exodus but it may slow it up, who knows? Oh well time will tell where the game of rugby is headed for NZ.