The success of the Springboks has reignited debate in New Zealand about whether the All Blacks should follow a similar selection model.
All Blacks defence coach and former captain Tana Umaga believes the time may have come for New Zealand Rugby to reconsider its long-standing rule that prevents overseas-based players from representing the national team.
Currently, New Zealand players must be contracted domestically to be eligible for All Blacks selection unless they receive special sabbaticals from the governing body.
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Umaga admitted he once strongly supported the policy.
“My usual answer would be no, because I was a big believer that if you want to play for the All Blacks, you need to be based here and commit to New Zealand,” he told Radio New Zealand.
“But with so many young players leaving so early, you’re probably not getting the experience and players you need at Test level.”
New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has also raised the issue, revealing he would like to bring experienced lock Brodie Retallick back into the fold despite the veteran currently playing in Japan.
Umaga said the global player market has shifted dramatically, and pointed to South Africa’s success as a model worth considering.
“There’s still the status quo in me, but then I see where South Africa are,” he said.
“Everyone’s talking about it. I suppose I’m not as hard as I was before. You just think of what’s best.”
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While Umaga stopped short of naming specific overseas-based candidates, he believes any player willing to make himself available should be considered.
“Whoever wants to make themselves available, those are the guys that I suppose we’d love to work with, who can add value on the field and off the field,” he said.
“We’re picking who fits best into what we want to do, and we think will take our team to the level we need it to be.”
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
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