New All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has urged an ‘open mind’ to secure the best talent, challenging the governing body’s stance that overseas players could weaken domestic rugby.
IF YOU can’t beat them, join them, as new All Blacks coach Scott Robertson wants to “copy” the world champion Springboks by getting New Zealand Rugby to scrap its rule banning overseas-based players from Test selection.
Robertson has urged an “open mind” to secure the best talent, challenging the governing body’s stance that overseas players could weaken domestic rugby.
Just last month, CEO Mark Robinson said NZ Rugby were “really happy” with demands that All Blacks selection be restricted to players based in New Zealand.
While NZ Rugby remains firm, Razor seeks flexibility to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving game.
He says: “I have got to get in front of a few people, have a few conversations, catch a few eyes, have some chats, I think it’s important we do that, respect for all options.
Best players available
“I just want to keep an open mind, so I can select the best players available for the All Blacks.”
All Blacks skipper Sam Cane has also previously called for the eligibility rule to be reviewed.
From last year’s All Blacks World Cup squad, Cane, Ardie Savea and Beauden Barrett are on short-term contracts overseas and will return home before the 2024 Test season.
However, Richie Mo’unga, Shannon Frizell (both Japan) and Leicester Fainga’anuku (France) are on longer deals with overseas clubs and are ineligible.
Test centurion Sam Whitelock and his klein boet Luke are based at French Top 14 club Pau, while ex-Chiefs co-captain Brad Weber is at Clermont.
