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SA Rugby bid to stop overseas exodus with new ruling
By Peter Thompson
SA Rugby has attempted to halt the overseas exodus by ruling that only internationals with a minimum of 30 caps will be be able to play abroad and represent the Springboks.
Concerns over the number of players plying their trade outside of their homeland have long since been expressed.
The governing body on Friday announced a new measure which will be implemented after the three-match series in France in June, but players with any number of caps will be available for selection during a World Cup year.
"We are sending a message to young players that if they wish to play for the Springboks, then they must remain in South Africa,” said SA Rugby president Mark Alexander.
"But we have also retained flexibility for the coach to select exceptional players who may be based overseas provided they have a proven track record of 30 Tests for the Springboks.
"How to balance the need to select the strongest possible team against the challenges of having such a large number of players based overseas has been a subject of long debate in our game.
"We have made this change in what we believe are the best interests of the Springbok team but we will review it periodically in conjunction with the national coach."
Such measures are becoming increasingly commonplace in world rugby, with Australia, England, Wales and New Zealand all limiting selection of foreign-based players.
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Latest Comments
The New Zealand performance in the return fixture in 2016 was filthy. A lot of Irish supporters were pretty shocked by it, viewed it as de facto cheating just to avoid another defeat.
Also shocked by the abuse to Ireland, captain, vice-captain and spectators after the full time whistle in Paris defeat, last match.
Sledging is sledging, but that happens during the game and targetting spectators should be completely out of bounds.
The Irish public used to enjoy these matches, even in defeat. Now they are necessary but unpleasant, because NZ apparently cannot accept or respect successful challengers.
Go to commentsThanks for the analysis Nick, thought provoking as usual. Couple of queries though, in the pic where you've circled Williams bind , I'm pretty sure it shows Stuart's knee on the ground, surely that's a NZ penalty? Also having had the chance to watch it again the All Black scrum seeems to improve after halftime, but before either England or the All Blacks replace their props. Not sure if that was the result of Tuipolutu coming on or some halftime tips. Either way this is only Williams second international season, so he'll be better for the experience.
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