Robertson wants policy change for overseas-based All Blacks / Photo: © AFP
Robertson wants policy change for overseas-based All Blacks
Coach Scott Robertson said Sunday he will ask New Zealand Rugby bosses to make overseas-based players eligible for the All Blacks in a bid to keep up with pacesetters South Africa.
Robertson said the world champion Springboks have benefited from an open policy which allows players to accept lucrative offshore club contracts but still be eligible for Test selection.
New Zealand has barred national selection for players if they're not contracted domestically, a rule aimed at preventing an exodus of players and weakening local competitions.
Robertson, who completed his first year in charge as All Blacks coach with a 29-11 win over Italy on Saturday, will propose a change to the New Zealand Rugby board soon after returning home.
"We don't want to be a cycle behind or a couple of years behind," Robertson told New Zealand media in a Zoom call.
"Professional rugby is always evolving. Let's keep an open mind and see what's next. I'll definitely be presenting.
"Using South Africa as an example, they get the opportunity to use a lot of experienced players who are looked after and managed well into their 30s so they've got a great balance.
"And they've got big squads, they can have two really quality 15s."
Robertson said he was wary of preserving the strength of New Zealand's Super Rugby and national provincial competitions, indicating he would push for a targeted eligibility rule.
It would mean the likes of Japan-based fly-half Richie Mo'unga could become available because of his 56 Test caps, but not other less-proven players.
Rugby Australia allows a maximum of three players to be selected from overseas for the Wallabies, but only if they have played at least 30 Tests or committed to playing for an Australian-based franchise for the following year.
Robertson said New Zealand's regulations would need to be thrashed out with stakeholders.
"What's right for all of our game? How do we create it so we still get the best players, we've still got the best competitions and we've still got the best All Black group?
"You might look at the guys that have shown a lot of loyalty to us, so there's an avenue for them."
Former Canterbury Crusaders coach Robertson said he was satisfied with his record of 10 wins and four defeats across the year.
He pointed out the losses were all tight affairs, including the two Rugby Championship Tests in South Africa.
"We had a chance to win all of those. You learn about game management, your roles and how you set a team up to win a Test match," he said.
"We've played some incredible halves, 45, 50, 60 minutes. We just haven't always finished."
P.Johnston--TNT
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