Former All Blacks captain, Sam Cane, has called on the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) to reassess its policy regarding the eligibility of overseas-based players for All Blacks selection. This request comes as Cane embarks on his tenure with Japanese team Suntory Sungoliath, sparking a discussion about the existing eligibility regulations for All Blacks players.
As Cane prepares to miss the Chiefs’ 2024 Super Rugby campaign due to his overseas commitment, he is anticipated to return to New Zealand and be accessible for the All Blacks’ first tests under new coach Scott Robertson in July. However, given the current regulations, players such as Richie Mo’unga, who has entered into a multi-year contract in Japan, would not meet the criteria for All Blacks selection.
Addressing the media in Tokyo, Cane stressed the necessity for a rule modification, offering instances of other international players who have effectively reintegrated into their national teams after playing abroad. He suggested that if New Zealand players can come back from overseas engagements and excel at a high level, there should be a basis for discussing alterations to the eligibility criteria.
This viewpoint was supported by experienced All Blacks player, Owen Franks, who recently returned to New Zealand following his stint with French club Toulouse. He underscored the significance of players performing at a high caliber and highlighted the potential insights gained from participating in diverse international competitions.
The topic of eligibility for overseas-based players has spurred discussion within the rugby community, with some advocating for the idea while others express apprehensions about the potential impact on New Zealand’s Super Rugby franchises. Even the new All Blacks head coach, Scott Robertson, has expressed receptiveness to exploring a change in the eligibility regulations, eliciting a response from his predecessor, Ian Foster.
Foster acknowledged the logical reasoning behind considering overseas players for the All Blacks, but cautioned that it could have adverse effects on the progress of young players within New Zealand’s Super Rugby competition. He emphasized the importance of upholding and nurturing the domestic talent pool while recognizing the need for enhancements.
Amidst these conversations, Cane revealed that he had engaged in discussions with Robertson since the new coach assumed his position, but refrained from speculating on whether he anticipates retaining the captaincy. He emphasized the importance of concentrating on his performance and development for the upcoming matches, as the All Blacks coaching staff continue to oversee the players abroad.
The deliberation surrounding the incorporation of overseas-based players in the All Blacks squad is likely to persist as the rugby community assesses the potential advantages and disadvantages of such a modification. As current and former players contribute to the discourse, it remains to be seen whether NZR will reconsider its position on player eligibility for the national team.