Jean de Villiers said that local fans should get used to more South African professionals playing for overseas-based clubs and representing other countries.
Outside backs Duhan van der Merwe and Kyle Steyn, along with loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman, starred for their adoptive country Scotland in the 2024 Six Nations while have been similarly impressive for the likes of Scottish sides Edinburgh and Glasgow Warriors.
Speaking with United Rugby Championship sponsor Vodacom, De Villiers highlighted the significance of player migration in world rugby while emphasising the “business-like” approach of those looking for more exposure and opportunities outside of the Republic.
“With the new eligibility laws in world rugby, you’re seeing the influence of foreign-born players qualifying for other countries and certainly strengthening those countries,” the former Springbok and DHL Stormers skipper said.
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“If you look at the Six Nations, most of those teams have an influence of foreign-born players who are really adding value to their adopted team. That has strengthened the game across the board.
“From a South African point of view, the supporters need to get used to South African surnames playing for other countries.
“As a player you’re getting the exposure by playing in the United Rugby Championship, and it’s so much easier to track a player now if he doesn’t stake a claim for the Springbok setup.
“It’s easy to pull him into another club in one of the other countries, and over time to be able to qualify for that country or even through parents or grandparents.
“That’s just where it’s going. It’s more business-like in terms of the players making decisions where they get opportunities and I think the South African fans need to get used to that.”
Photo: sixnationsrugby.com
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
