What solutions can be found for the player exodus to overseas? Should there be a radical shakeup of NZ Rugby?

Question

Would NZRU look at the possibility of buying a European Rugby club? It may be an option, and bring Argentina into the Tri Nations for 4 Nations. Also the Super 14 change its format and be modelled on NRL in Australia. Tests in America. Also look at putting a million dollar retainer on current All Blacks who head overseas, that will bring money into the NZRU coffers.

Answer 1

I think the current push into Asia and the Pacific Rim is a better bet.

New S14 team based out of Tokyo planned for next year. Opening up the Pacific rim will give SANZAR more control over scheduling and contract stipulations / release protocols for test match rugby.

Players leaving is not really such a big deal as long as we continue to put new logs on the fire and give it a good stoke. Plenty of young talent coming through - just look at the sevens guys - most will go directly into S14 next year with out having played NPC footy.

Forget Argentina - their unions seem unwilling to embrace professionalism, and they just don't seem to have any money trees worth shaking unless you play with 11 man teams and a round ball.

The retainer is great idea - but a mill is a bit excessive mate !

Answer 2

You're blowing in the wind. They are leaving for the prospect of more money and most importantly (to them) status. Unless you can match that you are going to see the problem get worse.

Answer 3

I don't see a problem with older guys coming to the Northern Hemisphere, (thank you Doug Howlett) but it's worrying for any rugby nation when the young players are leaving, like Luke McCallister. He's only 23 and was a future great for the All Blacks. However I don't think that it's all about the money. The Premiership, Top 14 and Heineken Cup are far more competitive than the Super 14 and maybe they wanted more competition or a change in style of rugby?

Answer 4

Does it really matter where the AB's play their league rugby?

Argentina manage to put out a decent side yet they have no home league really. And no competition like the 6 NAtions or Tri Nations.

I don't see what the fuss is all about keeping players at home.

It's a short lived career, the money is in Europe, let them earn it whole they can. There's no reason for the national side to suffer.

The AB's did suffer badly from being over protected before the last world cup.