Damian McKenzie, the seasoned All Blacks playmaker, has thrown his weight behind the call for New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to revisit its stance on not selecting players based overseas for the national team. This debate has been reignited by comments from both the current and former All Blacks coaches, amidst growing discussions on international eligibility rules.
The controversy centers around NZR's policy which bars New Zealand players working abroad from donning the All Blacks jersey unless they are on an approved sabbatical. This policy has been under scrutiny, especially with other nations easing similar restrictions. Former coach Scott Robertson, who was a proponent of the strict policy until his dismissal earlier this year, seemed to have had a change of heart by 2025, aligning with NZR’s rigid stance.
However, Dave Rennie, who took over from Robertson, appears to have different ideas. Shortly after his appointment, he expressed his desire to recall Brodie Retallick from Japan, where he currently plays for Kobelco Kobe Steelers – incidentally, the same club that Rennie coaches. This move underscores a potential shift in perspective at the top of New Zealand rugby.
"It’s been a pretty well talked about point... it’d be great for that to be able to happen,"
McKenzie stated, emphasizing the advantage of having the best players available for New Zealand, regardless of where they play club rugby. "You just want the best players playing for your country, right? Whatever way they (NZR) go on, we just have to stick with it and back it."
The debate over player eligibility is not unique to New Zealand. Rugby Australia recently scrapped their Giteau Law, allowing the national team coach to select overseas-based players without restrictions based on caps or domestic commitments. This change followed a precedent set by South Africa in 2018, when they allowed coach Rassie Erasmus to pick any South African player globally, which notably included Cheslin Kolbe from Toulouse making his debut that same year.
If New Zealand follows through with a similar adjustment, it could open the doors for numerous Kiwi talents plying their trade overseas, potentially strengthening the All Blacks as they prepare for upcoming international challenges. This topic remains a hot-button issue as rugby nations around the world reconsider how best to leverage global talent for national success.
2,100 posts
Damian McKenzie, the seasoned All Blacks playmaker, has thrown his weight behind the call for New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to revisit its stance on not selecting players based overseas for the national team. This debate has been reignited by comments from both the current and former All Blacks coaches, amidst growing discussions on international eligibility rules.
The controversy centers around NZR's policy which bars New Zealand players working abroad from donning the All Blacks jersey unless they are on an approved sabbatical. This policy has been under scrutiny, especially with other nations easing similar restrictions. Former coach Scott Robertson, who was a proponent of the strict policy until his dismissal earlier this year, seemed to have had a change of heart by 2025, aligning with NZR’s rigid stance.
However, Dave Rennie, who took over from Robertson, appears to have different ideas. Shortly after his appointment, he expressed his desire to recall Brodie Retallick from Japan, where he currently plays for Kobelco Kobe Steelers – incidentally, the same club that Rennie coaches. This move underscores a potential shift in perspective at the top of New Zealand rugby.
"It’s been a pretty well talked about point... it’d be great for that to be able to happen,"
McKenzie stated, emphasizing the advantage of having the best players available for New Zealand, regardless of where they play club rugby. "You just want the best players playing for your country, right? Whatever way they (NZR) go on, we just have to stick with it and back it."
The debate over player eligibility is not unique to New Zealand. Rugby Australia recently scrapped their Giteau Law, allowing the national team coach to select overseas-based players without restrictions based on caps or domestic commitments. This change followed a precedent set by South Africa in 2018, when they allowed coach Rassie Erasmus to pick any South African player globally, which notably included Cheslin Kolbe from Toulouse making his debut that same year.
If New Zealand follows through with a similar adjustment, it could open the doors for numerous Kiwi talents plying their trade overseas, potentially strengthening the All Blacks as they prepare for upcoming international challenges. This topic remains a hot-button issue as rugby nations around the world reconsider how best to leverage global talent for national success.