From the moment Dave Rennie stepped into the All Blacks head coach role, he stirred the pot by hinting at roping in overseas talent, with Brodie Retallick, currently shining in Japan under Rennie's own guidance at Kobelco Kobe Steelers, being a prime candidate. Retallick, renowned for his robust performance, has been tearing up the Japanese Rugby League One, leading the try-scoring charts and drawing significant praise from figures like Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who labeled him the league's standout player "by a mile."
Rennie, unreserved and direct, expressed his eagerness to pull Retallick back into the All Blacks fold.
"He’s stronger than he’s ever been, fitter than he’s ever been,"
Rennie remarked during his inaugural press conference, underscoring the lock's peak condition. He further elaborated in a Sky Sports NZ interview, acknowledging the rights of players who have served the All Blacks and ventured overseas to "cash in."
However, Retallick's response was non-committal, influenced by the existing selection policy that restricts overseas-based players from donning the All Blacks jersey.
"I’ll put no consideration into it, to be fair,"
he stated in a Newstalk ZB interview, hinting at a continued career in Japan unless policy changes facilitate a return.
Reflecting on his dynamic with Rennie, Retallick shared insights from their long-standing relationship, beginning with their time at the Chiefs. He praised Rennie's meticulous approach and cultural fit, which has evidently translated into success at Kobe. Since Rennie's arrival, the team's performance has steadily improved, currently securing a second-place standing mid-season.
Rennie’s approach and experience overseas undoubtedly played a role in his All Blacks appointment, a move that suggests a potential shift in how New Zealand Rugby may handle overseas player eligibility in the future. As the rugby community watches closely, Rennie's next moves could redefine New Zealand’s rugby landscape, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon.
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From the moment Dave Rennie stepped into the All Blacks head coach role, he stirred the pot by hinting at roping in overseas talent, with Brodie Retallick, currently shining in Japan under Rennie's own guidance at Kobelco Kobe Steelers, being a prime candidate. Retallick, renowned for his robust performance, has been tearing up the Japanese Rugby League One, leading the try-scoring charts and drawing significant praise from figures like Japan head coach Eddie Jones, who labeled him the league's standout player "by a mile."
Rennie, unreserved and direct, expressed his eagerness to pull Retallick back into the All Blacks fold.
"He’s stronger than he’s ever been, fitter than he’s ever been,"
Rennie remarked during his inaugural press conference, underscoring the lock's peak condition. He further elaborated in a Sky Sports NZ interview, acknowledging the rights of players who have served the All Blacks and ventured overseas to "cash in."However, Retallick's response was non-committal, influenced by the existing selection policy that restricts overseas-based players from donning the All Blacks jersey.
"I’ll put no consideration into it, to be fair,"
he stated in a Newstalk ZB interview, hinting at a continued career in Japan unless policy changes facilitate a return.Reflecting on his dynamic with Rennie, Retallick shared insights from their long-standing relationship, beginning with their time at the Chiefs. He praised Rennie's meticulous approach and cultural fit, which has evidently translated into success at Kobe. Since Rennie's arrival, the team's performance has steadily improved, currently securing a second-place standing mid-season.
Rennie’s approach and experience overseas undoubtedly played a role in his All Blacks appointment, a move that suggests a potential shift in how New Zealand Rugby may handle overseas player eligibility in the future. As the rugby community watches closely, Rennie's next moves could redefine New Zealand’s rugby landscape, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon.