The crisis-torn Queensland Reds are calling on the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) to relax restrictions on the use of overseas players as they battle to field a competitive outfit for next year’s expanded Super 14 rugby competition.
One-time Australian provincial powers Queensland have fallen on hard times with the exodus of a large chunk of their squad to rival Australian franchises after a woeful three wins in 11 games this season.
The Reds have lost first-choice players Nathan Sharpe, Rudi Vedelago, Junior Pelesasa and Luke Doherty to the new Western Force, Wallaby winger Wendell Sailor to New South Wales and flanker Daniel Heenan to the ACT Brumbies.
The ARU stopped allowing foreign imports in Australian Super 12 sides seven years ago, following Ireland prop Peter Clohessy’s stint with the Reds.
Queensland Rugby Union chief executive Theo Psaros said consideration should be given to relaxing the local import rule.
”I would welcome any discussion on opening that up,” said Psaros, who wants up to three overseas players to be part of each 33-man squad.
Psaros said the imports could be allowed for a two-season minimum while the four Australian franchises work their way into the expanded Super 14, along with rival New Zealand and South African teams.
But the Reds appear to be heading up a blind alley, with an ARU spokesperson saying on Monday that allowing overseas imports would run contrary to expanding the domestic player reservoirs in Australian rugby. — Sapa-AFP