New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie just dropped a bombshell on his very first day in the hot seat, openly lobbying for the return of rugby titan Brodie Retallick. It's a bold move given New Zealand Rugby's tight leash on picking players gallivanting abroad unless they're on a brief sabbatical but still chained to a local contract. Think of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane's Irish escapades or Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown's Japanese jaunt with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
While the All Blacks have stuck to their guns about domestic contracts, other rugby nations are playing fast and loose with their rules. Australia tossed out its ‘Giteau Law’ and the Springboks said "cheers" to their overseas restrictions under Rassie Erasmus back in 2018. But back to Rennie, who seems ready to stir the pot and shake up the status quo.
"I'll comment on Brodie Retallick. I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been,"
Rennie declared at his inaugural presser. "He’s fitter than he’s ever been. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to, but there’s no doubt you want to win a World Cup, ideally, you’ve got your best players available."
And it’s not just about Retallick. Rennie hinted at a potential reunion with Richie Mo’unga, who's been tearing up the turf in Japan. "Obviously, Richie’s coming back, which would be good. He’s been in great form in Japan. And yeah, look, certainly you have someone like a Brodie Retallick coming into the environment. I reckon it’ll really grow the whole group, and if I had the chance to get him back, I’d certainly jump at it."
This isn't just a fly-by coaching whim. Rennie and Retallick have history, having conquered fields together at the Chiefs and now sharing a club in Japan. Throw in veteran Sam Cane, and you’ve got a recipe for a serious rugby revival or at least a very interesting team dinner.
The sparks from Rennie's comments have already set the rugby discussion boards alight, reigniting the age-old debate about the merits and pitfalls of the overseas player policy. Whether Rennie's push can bend the rigid rules of New Zealand Rugby or if it's merely wishful thinking, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Rennie era is off to a provocative start.
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New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie just dropped a bombshell on his very first day in the hot seat, openly lobbying for the return of rugby titan Brodie Retallick. It's a bold move given New Zealand Rugby's tight leash on picking players gallivanting abroad unless they're on a brief sabbatical but still chained to a local contract. Think of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane's Irish escapades or Ardie Savea and Anton Lienert-Brown's Japanese jaunt with Kobelco Kobe Steelers.
While the All Blacks have stuck to their guns about domestic contracts, other rugby nations are playing fast and loose with their rules. Australia tossed out its ‘Giteau Law’ and the Springboks said "cheers" to their overseas restrictions under Rassie Erasmus back in 2018. But back to Rennie, who seems ready to stir the pot and shake up the status quo.
"I'll comment on Brodie Retallick. I get to see him train and play every week. He’s stronger than he’s ever been,"
Rennie declared at his inaugural presser. "He’s fitter than he’s ever been. I’m not sure if I’m allowed to, but there’s no doubt you want to win a World Cup, ideally, you’ve got your best players available."
And it’s not just about Retallick. Rennie hinted at a potential reunion with Richie Mo’unga, who's been tearing up the turf in Japan. "Obviously, Richie’s coming back, which would be good. He’s been in great form in Japan. And yeah, look, certainly you have someone like a Brodie Retallick coming into the environment. I reckon it’ll really grow the whole group, and if I had the chance to get him back, I’d certainly jump at it."
This isn't just a fly-by coaching whim. Rennie and Retallick have history, having conquered fields together at the Chiefs and now sharing a club in Japan. Throw in veteran Sam Cane, and you’ve got a recipe for a serious rugby revival or at least a very interesting team dinner.
The sparks from Rennie's comments have already set the rugby discussion boards alight, reigniting the age-old debate about the merits and pitfalls of the overseas player policy. Whether Rennie's push can bend the rigid rules of New Zealand Rugby or if it's merely wishful thinking, remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the Rennie era is off to a provocative start.