Ex-Hurricanes flank Blade Thoms on has been called up into the Scotland squad for the Autumn tests. As I understand it, he represented the All Blacks at under 20 level. I'm not sure if our resident Kiwis would consider it much of a loss, but it may nevertheless bolster an adversary who is already gaining power.
Its just more of the same NH nonsense,they should spend their own money on developing their own players.
SH spends time and money creating a pool of talent for the NH ? Wheres the justice in that ?
I suppose it's also a case of excess. How many of these players can New Zealand realistic play? They are already taking a very large squad to the NH, which shows how much depth they possess. Those on the periphery may take a chance and pursue another avenue to test rugby.
...Blade Thomson was't getting any signs from Hansen to say he was needed...so good luck to him playing for Scotland i say....as a former Maori AB he'll add some starch, although Scarlets are under no obligation to release him for the Nov 3 clash...
...would'nt usually watch Fijians play against Scotland but both teams now have some X factor players that could make for a great game...Fijians team is full of players with experience in Sevens, European club competitions...not to mention Drua players that won the Aussie minor premiership...
...Fiji are improving all the time despite some of their best exports representing other countries....they play an exciting, high risk brand of running rugby that can be very entertaining so looking forward to it
AO
Thompson played for the NZ Under 20 team in 2010, The change that deal with the issue about playing for countries by World Rugby kicked in in 2011, The change was not retrospective and only players playing Under 20 rugby in 2011 and hereafter were affected.
That is why Stander could play for Ireland and Thompson can now play for Scotland.
There should be some recompense for the time and money spent developing these young blokes.
Wardad
Maybe - but the thing relates to contracts more than anything else. If Thomson's contract has been completed and he moved to another team - who should be compensated.
I think compensation becomes a topic when there is some or other contract breach - whether a rugby or any other sport - otherwise it would become an international nightmare on a wider basis than sport.
I agree, test rugby should only be available for one's country of birth. What's happening now is a mockery. That said, I don't have a great deal of sympathy for SARugby. The country is going downhill whilst it alienates these players who are predominantly white. England is feasting on South Africa's ineptitude.
