Rugby’s rules seem to be forever changing, but Robin Davey argues a tightening on regulations allowing players from one country to wear the shirt of another are long overdue.
Many of rugby’s recent updates have caused widespread confusion, but the three-year residency ruling ,which is about to be overhauled, has to be welcomed.
There is obviously nothing wrong with players arriving from overseas, though the numbers are necessarily regulated. But what shouldn’t happen is, under a flag of convenience, players who are uncapped can appear for their adopted country in as little as three years.
That has been the case, but it is causing growing concern and the signs are that World Rugby will increase the residency required from three to five years.
Agustin Pichot, that celebrated former Argentina scrum-half now World Rugby’s vice-chairman, has been very vocal in his opposition to the current ruling.
He even believes more countries should follow the example of his native Pumas by refraining from selecting foreign players.
“It should be for life, like football,” he said. “It’s very important to keep the identity of our national teams. When I see the national anthem and people not singing it, it confuses me.”
He hopes a change in the rule will enable the less wealthy countries to retain their best talent.
France have already taken steps to change the present position by saying they will select only those players who hold a French passport in the hope that it will reverse the team’s reliance on overseas-born players.
More recently, the RFU, through chief executive Ian Ritchie, have stepped into the controversy by stating they will consider imposing their own five-year residency rule, feeling the increase is the right way to go.
A player of the stature of Martyn Williams, 100-times capped by Wales, has gone even further by saying the qualification period should be extended to seven years.
On the other hand, countries with smaller playing bases, may well oppose the increase.
These are said to include Scotland and Ireland. Scotland’s stance is surprising considering they have traditionally been one of the more conservative rugby nations.
The relaxed ruling has seen the Scots cap players like AP Nel and Josh Strauss three years after their arrival from South Africa while Ireland have capped CJ Stander, among others.
Clearly market forces play a part here and the chance to play in another country and experience a different way of life is fine. But players not quite good enough to play for their own country surely can’t expect to play for another for whom they have no qualification – and all within three years of their arrival.
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It’s time to acknowledge the achievement of the Ospreys and the sportsmanship of Sam Warburton.
The Ospreys have become the first team to gain the maximum points on offer in the group stages of European competition. They won all their matches with a bonus point to wrap up that maximum.
They must surely be favourites to win the Challenge Cup. And as a leading light in the Pro 12, a place in next season’s senior Champions Cup beckons.
Warburton, as has been widely reported, is no longer Wales captain after stepping down from the role in order to rediscover his form after a spate of injuries.
Whether the decision was his, or made by interim coach Rob Howley, isn’t clear, but either way the captaincy has now passed on to Alun Wyn Jones, who will surely do an excellent job.
But how typical of Warburton, already renowned for his sportsmanship, to praise his successor, saying, “Alun Wyn is a vastly experienced player and he has more experience than me at international level.”
Warburton may or may not start against Italy in the Six Nations opener (largely dependent on Taulupe Faletau’s fitness) but we haven’t seen the last of him in a Wales jersey and probably not in a Lions one, either.