Crusaders and Wallabies coach Robbie Deans says players from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa should be free to play in any of the three countries’ Super 14 rugby franchises.
He is also supporting Australian Rugby Union chief executive John O’Neill’s view that the competition should be increased to two rounds, reports the NZ Herald.
Deans said players should be free to play for whichever team they chose. In other words, Wallabies inside back Matt Giteau could play for the Crusaders, while All Blacks first five-eighth Dan Carter could play for the Western Force.
Foreign players are allowed to play for New Zealand and South African teams, with French Test flyhalf Frederic Michalak playing for the Sharks this year and the New Zealand teams including Pacific island internationals.
But the NZRU will not select New Zealand players for the All Blacks if they play offshore.
Australia is the most restricted player market in the world. Only those eligible to play for the Wallabies can play in the Australian Super 14 teams.
Deans, who has been involved in Super rugby for 12 years, believes the borders between the three Southern Hemisphere powers should be opened.
”John O’Neill, I understand, has indicated that they open access to foreign players here,” Deans told The Australian newspaper.
”I would suggest in time, just crystal ball-gazing, Australia and New Zealand may open up selection offshore, but only if they are playing in the same competition.
”You could select Australians to play Super 14 in Africa and New Zealand and vice-versa. It would create interest. In terms of selection, it is the same task. You are looking at footage from the same competition. It’s neither here nor there.”
Deans said the Super 14 had to be expanded.
”It’s inevitable. It has to happen.
”Our market is not as big and we don’t have the same ability to generate revenue as they have in the northern hemisphere and we are suffering at the hands of the northern hemisphere, in terms of player drain. We have to find a way of catering for the players’ professional needs in the Southern Hemisphere.
”The only way to do that is to expand the professional window, that’s the only way we can compete in the global market.” – Sapa