SA Rugby tackles player exodus
Brad Morgan
3 August 2007
South Africa is set to lose a number of leading players to European clubs after the Rugby World Cup later this year. Now, following a decision by the President's Council of the South African Rugby Union, not only will those players be lost to domestic rugby, they will also be lost to the Springboks.
At a meeting on Thursday, the President's Council decided that players not competing in domestic rugby will not be considered for the national team. The decision, designed to prevent or, at least, slow down the exodus of top players abroad, carries huge implications for the national team.
Springbok stalwarts
Among the players who have signed contracts with northern hemisphere clubs are some long-time Springbok stalwarts. They include captain John Smit, a highly-respected leader by the men who play under him, and Victor Matfield, viewed by many as the best lineout forward in the game today.
Then there are others
like Butch James, currently the Springboks' first choice at flyhalf, Gary Botha, the number two choice at hooker behind Smit and just 25 years of age, as well as a host of Springboks, including, among others, Brent Russell, Percy Montgomery, Marius Joubert, Ashwin Willemse, De Wet Barry, Gerrie Britz, Bobby Skinstad, Joe van Niekerk, and Lawrence Sephaka.
Previously, such a system existed, but Saru reversed it when Jake White took over as coach to allow Montgomery and Jaco van der Westhuysen to play for the Boks. Now, with a greater number of players than ever before heading north, it has been decided to reverse that decision.
A simple choice
Essentially, it comes down to a simple choice for the players: play rugby in Europe and pocket more money or stay in South Africa and earn less money, but have the opportunity to play for the Springboks.
However, matters extend beyond national selection, with the lure of the pound and the euro
also drawing many top provincial players to England, France, Wales, Ireland, and Italy.
According to Saru President Oregan Hoskins, the organisation is reverting to the rule that was in place so that the players who stay in South Africa are rewarded. It is also being used to ensure that the country’s best players stay at home.
Watching the best players in action
He says players with big money contracts with northern hemisphere clubs won't be contributing to rugby in South Africa and, if Saru allows the top players to leave, the game's fans won't be able to watch the best players in action.
Another reason put forward as being behind the decision is the consideration of sponsors' investments in South African rugby and that includes the standards of South African teams in the Super 14 and Tri-Nations competitions.
The hard-line policy is in line with those adopted by New Zealand and Australia, both of whom are set to lose huge
numbers of star players to European clubs after the World Cup.
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